By Dr. Neeraj Sanduja , Ophthalmology
A condition which damages the optic nerve of the eye and worsens over passing time, mostly due to accumulated pressure inside the eye, is known as Glaucoma. This increase in pressure, which is known as intraocular pressure, damages the optic nerve which is responsible for transmission of images to the brain. If this increase in pressure, the glaucoma may leads to loss of vision that might be permanent. If this condition is not treated, the glaucoma will lead to total blindness after few years.
Glaucoma is not detectable during its early stages. Thus, it is mandatory that regular eye check-up is performed before long-term loss of vision occurs.
TYPES:
- Open Angle Glaucoma: This common form of glaucoma is also known as wide-angle glaucoma. Although the different structures seem normal, the fluid present in the eye is not able to flow through the trabecular meshwork properly, which is the drain of the eye.
- Angle Closure Glaucoma: This condition is also known as chronic or acute angle closure glaucoma or narrow angle glaucoma. The narrow angle formed between the cornea and the iris results in poor drainage and thus causes blockage. This leads to sudden accumulation of pressure in the eye.
SYMPTOMS:
There are usually no signs of glaucoma. The initial sign of glaucoma is the loss of side or peripheral vision, which might be unnoticed till later stages.
Medical aid should be immediately sought if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Loss of vision
- Viewing lights surrounded by halos
- Eye redness
- Vomiting or nausea
- Tunnel vision (Narrowing of Vision)
TREATMENT:
Treatment for glaucoma includes:
- Laser Surgery
- Eye Drops
- Microsurgery
