Introduction:
Glaucomas are diseases of the eye which may cause permanent blindness when not treated properly. The advancements are gradual, thus resulting in what is commonly called “the silent thief of sight.” This article tries to highlight about what glaucoma means, its causes, its signs, and all important things in its diagnosis. To get rid from glaucoma get in touch with Best eye specialist in dombivli.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressing eye ailment which destroys a vital point in connection between the eye and the brain- the optic nerve. Glaucoma refers to different types of eye disorders which destroy the optic nerve. Optic nerves are important channels through which you send information from the eye to the brain for proper vision. This is normally as a result of increased ocular pressure. However, glaucoma may occur despite normal eye pressure. Glaucoma can happen, at any age although it is more frequent on the elderly people. It is a major cause of blindness in older people aged over sixty. However, some types of glaucoma are asymptomatic. This effect is so slow that you may not realize that your vision has changed until the condition is already in the advanced stages. To get rid from glaucoma get in touch with Lens replacement surgery in thane.
What are the types of glaucoma?
There are different types of glaucoma. Some are follow as-
- Closed-angle glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma
Causes of Glaucoma:
- Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Glaucoma is most commonly caused by high IOP. The increased pressure occurs as a result of poor draining of the aqueous humor that passes around in the eyes, and this leads to an incremental increase in the pressure.
- Age: Glaucoma is more common in individuals over the age of 60. The risk increases significantly with age, and regular eye check-ups will help in early detection.
- Genetics: A family history of glaucoma can elevate an individual’s risk. If close relatives have been diagnosed with glaucoma, it is essential to be vigilant and undergo regular eye examinations.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can increase the risk of glaucoma. Additionally, severe eye injuries or inflammation may contribute to the development of glaucoma. Get in touch with Best Eye Hospital In Palava Kalyan Dombivli Thane .
Symptoms of Glaucoma:
- Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision: The peripheral vision begins to fade gradually as one of the first signs of glaucoma. This usually remains unnoticed until a large percentage of the vision is gone.
- Blurred Vision: Vision may become blurred, making daily activities challenging. This can occur as a result of damage to the optic nerve.
- Halos Around Lights: Halos or rainbow colored rings around lighting might be experienced by some patients of glaucoma, especially if their environment is dark.
- Intense Eye Pain and Headaches: Sudden and severe symptoms including eyes pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting observed in acute angle closure glaucoma. It is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
Diagnosis of Glaucoma:
Early diagnosis is key to managing glaucoma effectively and preventing further vision loss.
- Tonometry:
In this situation, a tonometer is used for a measure of intraocular pressure. High pressure predisposes one to glaucoma, although elevation of pressure does not result in glaucoma. - Ophthalmoscopy:
Ophthalmoscopy is the observation of an optic disc following dilation of a pupil. Glaucoma in its early stages is characterized by cup-shaped changes, pinched appearances and alterations in optic nerve head. - Visual Field Test:
They use this test which projects stimuli at different areas in the visual area for peripheral vision assessment. Glaucoma can also have a distinct pattern of the loss of field vision. - Gonioscopy:
Angles of gonioscopy are measured using gonioscopy technique. The technique aids to establish whether an angle is acute or obtuse with an indication of the types of glaucoma. - Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
OCT is a technology that is based on light waves but takes detailed, sectioned shots of the optic nerve. This technology enables a more detailed assessment of optic nerve structure.
Prevention:
Early detection of glaucoma through routine eye exams is the best way to protect eye and prevent vision loss.
- One to three years after age 35 for people at high risk.
- Two to four years before age 40.
- One to three years between ages 40 and 54.
- One to two years between ages 55 to 64.
- Six months to 12 months after age 65.
Conclusion:
Glaucoma is dangerous, it has silent progress with possibility of causing permanent blindness. Since its earlier detection is very vital, identification of symptoms and regular eye examinations are key. However, with progress in research on this issue new effective treatments and preventive strategies for eye can be derived. Hence the need to know and take care of eyes early. Seeing any of these sign and knowing you belong to high-risk groups of glaucoma means you should not waste much time by waiting for a vision test. Consult with Best eye specialist in Thane .