Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This disease can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated. Glaucoma usually progresses gradually without any initial symptoms, which is why it is also called the )silent thief of vision(.

Types of Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is divided into several main types:

1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: It is the most common type of glaucoma that progresses slowly without initial symptoms.
2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma appears quickly and with sudden symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, nausea and blurred vision.
3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this type, damage to the optic nerve occurs even if the intraocular pressure is within the normal range.
4. Secondary Glaucoma: Caused by other medical conditions such as eye inflammation, eye injuries, diabetes or long-term use of corticosteroids.
5. Congenital Glaucoma: A rare type of glaucoma that occurs in infants and young children and is usually due to a defect in the development of the drainage system of the eye.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms and signs of glaucoma can vary depending on the type, but some common symptoms are:

1. Gradual reduction of peripheral vision: This symptom is usually the first sign of open-angle glaucoma.
2. Severe eye and head pain: This symptom is more common in angle-closure glaucoma.
3. Blurred vision: especially in acute cases.
4. Seeing halos around lights: especially in angle-closure glaucoma.
5. Eye redness: may be accompanied by pain and discomfort.
6. Nausea and vomiting: in acute cases of angle-closure glaucoma

Causes and Risk Factors

Glaucoma occurs due to increased intraocular pressure, which can be caused by fluid accumulation within the eye. Risk factors for glaucoma include the following:

1. Genetics: having a family history of glaucoma.
2. Age: increasing age, especially people over 60 years old.
3. Race: African, Asian and Latino people are more at risk of glaucoma.
4. Eye problems: presence of other eye diseases such as thinning of the cornea.
5. Medical conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases.
6. Medication use: long-term use of corticosteroids

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of glaucoma is done through eye examinations and various tests:

1. Tonometry: measuring intraocular pressure.
2. Perimetry: visual field test to check peripheral vision.
3. Gonioscopy: examination of the front angle of the eye to diagnose the type of glaucoma.
4. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): imaging of the optic nerve to examine damage.
5. Pachymetry: measuring the thickness of the cornea

Treatment

Glaucoma treatment depends on its type and severity and may include one or a combination of the following methods:

1. Medicines: Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure. These drops may include beta blockers, prostaglandins, alpha agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
2. Laser therapy: methods such as laser trabeculoplasty, laser iridotomy and laser silk photocoagulation.
3. Surgery: In more severe cases, surgeries such as trabeculectomy, draining implants, and viscocanalostomy may be needed.

Prevention and care

It is not possible to completely prevent glaucoma, but by observing a few points, you can reduce the risk of infection and control the progress of the disease:

1. Regular eye examinations: Regular and annual examinations help to detect glaucoma early.
2. Management of medical conditions: control of blood pressure, diabetes and other medical conditions.
3. Regular exercise: Exercise can help reduce intraocular pressure.
4. Avoiding long-term use of corticosteroids: unless needed and under the supervision of a doctor.
5. Use of protective glasses: to prevent eye injuries

Conclusion:

Glaucoma is a serious disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, its progression can be prevented and the quality of life can be maintained.