Glaucoma

Description

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, the nerve that carries visual information from your eye to your brain. It often happens when the pressure inside the eye is high, but it can also occur with normal pressure. The damage usually develops slowly and may start with loss of side (peripheral) vision before you notice it. Regular eye exams are important because glaucoma can progress gradually, and early detection helps with monitoring. If you have concerns or risk factors such as age or family history, talk to a qualified healthcare professional for evaluation and guidance.

Common Symptoms

- Many people with open-angle glaucoma have no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision is common as glaucoma progresses.
- Blurred or hazy vision can occur over time.
- Difficulty seeing in low light or at night.
- Seeing halos around lights or glare around bright sources.
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription or vision that seems less sharp over time.
- In acute angle-closure glaucoma, sudden severe eye pain, headache, nausea or vomiting, red eye, and rapidly worsening vision—this is a medical emergency; seek urgent care.
- If you notice new vision changes, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with a qualified healthcare professional.

Causes

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often linked to higher eye pressure.
Age is a major risk factor—the risk increases as you get older.
Family history and certain racial backgrounds (e.g., African descent for open-angle glaucoma; Asian descent for angle-closure) also raise risk.
Higher intraocular pressure, thinner corneas, and conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can increase risk; long-term steroid use can too.
Eye injuries or previous eye surgery can raise risk, and regular eye exams are important since glaucoma can occur with or without high pressure. If you have concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional or eye doctor.

Treatment Options

Glaucoma treatment aims to lower eye pressure to protect the optic nerve and slow vision loss.
Lifestyle factors include regular eye checkups, protecting eyes, and following your clinician’s guidance for monitoring risk factors.
Medications commonly involve eye drops or, at times, oral medicines that reduce eye pressure; drug classes include prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Procedures may include laser therapies (such as laser trabeculoplasty or laser peripheral iridotomy) or surgical options (like trabeculectomy or implanted drainage devices) when medications aren’t enough.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional for a personalized plan and ongoing monitoring.