Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Glaucoma or Eye Disorder

Author: kapal bhati

Glaucoma refers to certain eye diseases that affect the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Most, but not all, of these diseases typically produce elevated pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Normal IOP is measured in millimeters of mercury and can range from 10-21 mm Hg. An elevated IOP is the most important risk factor for the development of glaucoma.

Elevated IOP is sometimes called ocular hypertension. If your doctor diagnoses ocular hypertension, it does not mean you have glaucoma, but it does mean you are at a higher risk for developing the condition, and you should see an ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery) frequently.

There are several forms of glaucoma, and therefore glaucoma symptoms and glaucoma causes may vary depending on the type of glaucoma you have:

Primary open-angle glaucoma symptoms are almost non-existent. This type of glaucoma gradually and painlessly reduces your side (peripheral) vision while causing permanent damage to the eye's optic nerve, leading to eventual eyesight loss. This form of glaucoma develops due to an improper amount of fluid (aqueous humor) draining from the eye because of clogged drainage canals. If open-angle glaucoma remains untreated, you risk developing tunnel vision (the ability to see only the objects straight ahead).

Acute glaucoma symptoms, also known as angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma, include a sudden and quick rise in IOP accompanied by intense eye pain, eye redness, swelling and clouding of the cornea, and blurred vision. Furthermore, patients may experience haloes around lights. An emergency condition requiring immediate medical attention, an acute attack can be caused by any catalyst that leads to dilation of the pupil, such as entering a dark room or certain medications. The dilated pupil causes the iris to gradually block the drainage of the fluid from the eye, leading to elevated IOP. If your eye pressure is not reduced within a few hours, this acute attack may cause permanent vision loss.

Normal tension glaucoma manifests itself in quick optic nerve damage and visual field loss even though your IOP remains at normal levels. No one knows the exact causes of normal tension glaucoma, but many doctors believe this form of glaucoma may be a result of poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Patients with a family history of normal tension glaucoma are more prone to developing it.

Chronic narrow-angle glaucoma symptoms are similar to those of primary open-angle glaucoma where there is no warning of the impending disease until loss of vision occurs. This form of glaucoma occurs when the fluid (aqueous humor) cannot drain from the eye due to very narrow drainage angles that are blocked by the iris. Narrow-angle glaucoma can develop gradually, or progress quickly.

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Congenital glaucoma occurs in babies since they are unable to communicate that there is something wrong with their vision. Parents need to keep an eye on symptoms such as cloudy, hazy eyes, etc. This form of glaucoma is usually caused by the improper development of the drainage system of the baby's eye. As a result, intraocular pressure increases, eventually leading to optical nerve damage and loss of vision.

Pigmentary glaucoma often progresses without symptoms. In some cases, patients may notice some pain and blurred vision after exercise. If you are a male in your twenties or thirties and have myopia, you are at a higher risk of developing this form of glaucoma. In myopic patients, the iris pigment rubs on the eye's lens. As a result, iris particles get into the fluid (aqueous humor) and clog the drainage channels. The fluid stays in the eye and IOP rises, leading to optic nerve damage.

Secondary glaucoma may develop as a result of trauma to the eye or complications from medical conditions, such as diabetes. It can also be caused by certain types of drugs such as steroids.

Treatment for Glaucoma:

Although nerve damage and visual loss from glaucoma cannot usually be reversed, glaucoma is a disease that can generally be controlled. That is, treatment can make the intraocular pressure normal and, therefore, prevent or retard further nerve damage and visual loss. Treatment may involve the use of eyedrops, pills (rarely), laser ,or surgery.

In the United States, eyedrops are usually used first in treating most types of open-angle glaucoma. In contrast, in Europe, laser or surgery is sometimes the first choice of treatment. One or more types of eyedrops may have to be taken up to several times a day to lower intraocular pressure. These drops work either by reducing the production of the aqueous fluid (shutting the faucet) or by increasing the drainage of the fluid out of the eye. Each type of therapy has its benefits and potential complications.

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