Normal Eye Pressure and Glaucoma
Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It affects people of all ages, but the risk increases with age. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide! We will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of glaucoma and the importance of maintaining normal eye pressure.
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, which is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. This damage is usually caused by high pressure inside the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). However, some people can develop glaucoma with normal IOP, known as normal-tension glaucoma.
The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, which occurs when the drainage canals in the eye become clogged, causing pressure to build up. There are other less common types of glaucoma to watch out for, such as angle-closure and congenital glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma, and it is often called the “silent thief of sight.” However, as glaucoma progresses, symptoms can develop, including:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting (in severe cases)
If you experience these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor immediately. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing vision loss.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Glaucoma treatment aims to lower the IOP to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The treatment options include:
- Eye drops: These are usually the first line of treatment used to reduce fluid production in the eye or increase fluid drainage from the eye.
- Laser surgery: Laser trabeculoplasty is a type of surgery that is used to increase the drainage of fluid from the eye.
- Conventional surgery: Trabeculectomy is a type of surgery that is used to create a new drainage channel for fluid to leave the eye.
Normal eye pressure
Maintaining normal eye pressure is crucial in managing glaucoma because high IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. It is important for patients with glaucoma to stick to their treatment plan, including taking prescribed medications and attending regular follow-up appointments with their eye doctor to monitor their IOP and overall eye health.
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing vision loss!
If you have glaucoma symptoms or concerns about your eye health, you should immediately schedule an appointment at Levin Eye Care Center.