Glaucoma is a condition in
which the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly
rises as a result of the fluid aqueous humor which
normally flows in and out of the eye not being able to
drain properly.
Causes
Elevated pressure in the eye is the main factor
leading to glaucomatous damage to the eye (optic)
nerve.
Many factors are associated with an increased risk of
developing glaucoma, some of which are elevated IOP,
a family history, ethnic background, and older age.
Symptoms
Most people who have glaucoma do not notice any
symptoms until they begin to lose some vision. As
optic nerve fibers are damaged by glaucoma, small
blind spots may begin to develop, usually in the side
or peripheral vision. Many people do not notice the
blind spots until significant optic nerve damage has
already occurred. If the entire nerve is destroyed,
blindness results.
One type of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma,
does produce noticeable symptoms because there is a
rapid build-up of pressure in the eye. The following
are the most common symptoms of this type of glaucoma.
However, each individual may experience symptoms
differently. Symptoms may include:
- Blurred or narrowed field of vision
- Headache
- Epiphora
- Eye pain
- Photophobia
- Severe pain in the eyes
- Nausea
- Pain around the eyes after watching TV or leaving a
dark theater
Treatment
There is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be
controlled. Ophthalmologists use medication and
surgery to prevent further vision loss.
Some medications cause the eye to produce less fluid
while others lower pressure by helping fluid drain
from the eye
- Acetazolamide
- Oral glycerol
- Mannitol intravenously
- Urea intravenously
- Pilocarpine 4%
Surgery is the primary treatment for congenital and
infantile glaucoma
- Goniotomy
- Goniopuncture
- Trabeculotomy
- Trabeculectomy
- Cyclotherapy
