Glaucoma is an eye condition that stems from optic nerve damage. It can either develop on its own or be a hereditary condition. As the optic nerve takes information to the brain from the eyes, any damage leads to vision loss.
Whether this vision loss is going to be permanent or temporary depends on how soon you seek treatment for the condition. Though changes in the internal eye fluid pressure are the most common cause of glaucoma, it might occur even without that. So here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the condition.
What is the cause of glaucoma?
The exact cause of different types of glaucoma is yet to be known. However, the chief reason is blockage of the passage that usually lets the eye fluid drain. The fluid buildup in the eye creates additional pressure on your optic nerve. The fragile blood vessels and nerve fibres of your optic nerve get damaged under this pressure, which leads to vision loss.
Other causes might have a similar impact, i.e., infection, injury, intraocular pressure, or a tumour around the eyes. However, if glaucoma isn?t the result of excess eye pressure, it might be due to the nerves? lack of proper blood flow.
Who commonly gets glaucoma?
It’s commonly found in individuals aged forty and above. All types of glaucoma are common in people with nearsightedness or diabetes. Apart from that, people older than sixty are at a greater risk of getting the condition than the younger generation.
Also, the ones with lower eye pressure, cardiovascular conditions, or a family history of this condition might develop glaucoma.
What are the most common types of glaucoma?
Two of the most common types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. The former type is the most common one, and ninety per cent of glaucoma patients suffer from it.
How does glaucoma affect your vision?
The damage inflicted on the optic nerves makes glaucoma harmful to your vision. All that you see, the information goes to your brain through the optic nerves. The quantity and quality of information reaching the brain get affected when there is optical nerve damage. The result is a loss of vision.
How to know which of the types of glaucoma you have?
Glaucoma tends to take away your eyesight without any major warning signs beforehand. Symptoms usually show up when it?s already pretty late. The symptoms and signs vary from one type of glaucoma to another.
For those with open-angle glaucoma, vision loss ? a sure sign of optic nerve damage, is the first symptom. In angle-closure glaucoma, you might start getting blurry vision or see halos or rings around lights. Next, your eyes will start getting red, and you will experience strain or pain in them.
Wrapping up
Hopefully, all your basic queries regarding glaucoma have now been answered. However, if you want to know more about this condition or notice any of the symptoms in your eyesight, make sure to see a doctor immediately.
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.
