Glaucoma – The Thief Of Sight
Glaucoma, sometimes described as “The Thief of Sight” is a serious eye condition affecting millions of people worldwide. I find that most people have heard of it but many are unclear what it is. I thought it might be helpful to write a short description of glaucoma and why it is so important to catch and treat it as early as possible.
Well, what is Glaucoma?
Nerve fibres from across the retina gather at the optic nerve to form into a bundle and pass the sight signals back to the brain. Glaucoma is damage to the head of the optic nerve usually due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. When it becomes damaged, vision loss occurs, typically starting with gaps in the peripheral vision.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is not a single entity but a collection of conditions, each with unique characteristics:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): This is the most common form. It develops gradually as the eye’s drainage canals become clogged over time, leading to increased eye pressure.
2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type is less common but more acute. It occurs when the drainage channel formed by the cornea and iris suddenly closes, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. 3. Low-Tension Glaucoma (LTG): In this variant, optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve. 4. Congenital Glaucoma: Present at birth, this very rare form results from improper development of the eye’s drainage system. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preserving vision in affected infants.
- Secondary glaucoma: This is where glaucoma develops because of another eye condition. For instance, if a retinal vein leaks it can lead to the growth of new blood vessels in the iris which can block drainage leading to an increase in pressure.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Here’s the devil of it – there are usually no symptoms in the early stages though damage is being done, earning its reputation as a silent thief of sight. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
POAG and LTG
– Gradual loss of peripheral vision, often in both eyes – Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Acute glaucoma
– Severe eye pain – Nausea and vomiting – Blurred vision – Halos around lights – Redness in the eye
The Importance of Early Detection
If you are going to be unlucky and develop the condition, then we want to pick it up as early as possible in order to limit the damage with treatment. Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial, especially for older individuals and those with a family history of glaucoma. During these exams, I measure intraocular pressure, inspect the drainage angles, peripheral vision and evaluate the optic nerves. The OCT scanner enables me to monitor the inner layers of the retina which are the ones most sensitive to glaucomatous damage. I compare the scan results with age matched averages and also with previous scans of the same eye enabling me to pick up subtle indicators and take action at the earliest possible stage.
Treatment Options
While glaucoma cannot be cured, its progression can be managed with appropriate treatment. Options include: – Medicated Eye Drops: These help lower eye pressure by either reducing the amount of fluid produced by the eye or improving its drainage. – Laser Treatment: A laser can be used to make a small hope in the iris relieving pressure in acute glaucoma. There are other procedures using a laser to clear drainage in POAG. – Surgery: In cases where medication and laser treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures may create a new drainage pathway for eye fluid.
Conclusion
Glaucoma is a serious condition that requires vigilance and proactive management. This is one of the reasons why regular eye exams are essential, preferably involving OCT scans and their analysis.
If you suffer from glaucoma or are affected by it in some way you might like to take a look at the Glaucoma UK website which has lots of helpful information.
If you would like to book an eye examination including comprehensive checks for glaucoma we would love to hear from you