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What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. It can develop gradually over time with little to no symptoms, but if left unaddressed this condition can cause permanent vision loss and blindness.
There are several types of glaucoma, all caused by an increase in eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Your eyes are filled with fluid, and if this fluid doesn't drain properly, it can build up and create pressure in the eye. Over time, that pressure can compress and damage your optic nerve fibers. If these fibers are permanently damaged and die off, it can lead to blurred vision or even permanently losing vision in those areas. Learn more from the eye doctors at EyeCare Associates about different types of glaucoma and treatment options.
Different Types of Glaucoma
Overview
Each type of glaucoma is classified according to the underlying cause that leads to pressure buildup in the eye. In most types of glaucoma, the problem is rooted in an issue with how fluid drains out from the eye.
Open-angle
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma in the United States. Nine in 10 Americans with glaucoma have this form of the disease. Anyone can develop glaucoma, but this type is most common in adults over age 40, as well as in women and people from certain ethnic groups.
The exact cause of this type of glaucoma is unknown, but for some reason fluid doesn't drain from the eye well enough to prevent an increase in intraocular pressure.
Normal-tension
Normal-tension glaucoma is different from other types because people with this form of the disease usually have normal intraocular pressure, yet still experience optic nerve damage. Why this happens is unknown, but lowering ocular pressure seems to help avoid further damage.
People with low blood pressure, heart problems, or abnormal heart rhythms are at a higher risk of experiencing this type of glaucoma. Normal-tension also frequently runs in families and is common in people of Japanese ancestry.
Angle-closure
Angle-closure glaucoma is also called narrow-acute or acute glaucoma and is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms develop quickly, and immediate treatment is needed to avoid blindness. This form develops when the edge of the iris — the colored part of your eye — keeps fluid from draining. This fluid builds up quickly, causing a rapid increase in pressure.
There is also a slower-developing form of this type of glaucoma called slow or chronic angle-closure glaucoma. This type develops in a similar way, but happens more slowly and develops over time with no initial symptoms.
Congenital
Congenital glaucoma is a form of the disease that is present at birth. Babies who are born with this condition usually have symptoms that are noticeable right away. Surgery is very effective at preventing vision loss if done early.
Secondary
There are several other types of glaucoma that are considered secondary because they develop as a result of other medical conditions or treatments.
Different types include:
Neovascular glaucoma: When your eye makes extra blood vessels that prevent fluid from draining. This is often caused by other medical conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Pigmentary glaucoma: When pigment flakes off the iris and blocks fluid from draining.
Exfoliation glaucoma: This typically occurs happens in people who have exfoliation syndrome, a condition in which material gets deposited on the eye.
Uveitic glaucoma: This type occurs in people who have uveitis, a condition that causes swelling and inflammation in the eye.
Glaucoma can also stem from eye injuries and cataracts.
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
Most forms of glaucoma develop slowly over time, and you may not notice any symptoms at all. In time, you may have subtle vision changes or lose vision, but these may not necessarily raise any red flags. The most common symptoms of glaucoma include:
Vision loss, especially on the side of your eyes and toward the center of your nose
Blurry or cloudy vision
Halos of light in your field of vision
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at EyeCare Associates can help identify any eye conditions or diseases you might have. One type of glaucoma — angle-closure glaucoma — can come on quickly and requires immediate treatment. Intense eye pain, or eye pain that occurs alongside nausea or upset stomach, is common with this type of glaucoma. If you experience these symptoms with any vision loss, red eyes, or blurry vision, seek medical attention right away.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
The doctors at EyeCare Associates treat glaucoma with a variety of therapies including medications, laser therapy, and surgery. Eye drops are the most common medications used to treat glaucoma, and these can work in two ways. One type of eye drop works to lower eye pressure by helping more fluid drain from your eye. Another group of medications works by reducing the amount of fluid your eye makes to begin with. These eye drops must be used every day, and your doctor may add oral versions if you need more relief. Side effects of these medications can include things like:
Headaches
Stinging, itching, burning or redness in your eye
Dry mouth
Blurry vision
Your doctor may also need to perform laser therapies or surgeries to help fluid drain from your eye. This is usually done by making a small hole for fluid to drain from or by inserting a tiny drain to help fluid move out of your eye. With any of these treatments, there is a chance that they may need to be repeated in the future if fluid continues to build. Learn more about treatment options from EyeCare Associates.
Living with Glaucoma
There is no way to prevent glaucoma, and the exact cause of this group of diseases is unknown. Glaucoma does tend to run in families. There are several risk factors associated with the condition, including:
Eye injuries
Retinal problems
Eye inflammation
Age 60 or higher
African American and Hispanic descent
Heart problems
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Family history of glaucoma
Cornea disorders
Prolonged corticosteroid use
Regular eye exams are an important part of your overall eye health, and they can help identify problems like glaucoma early. There is no cure for this condition, but early treatment may help you avoid total vision loss.
Schedule An Appointment Today
Contact the EyeCare Associates team and find a location close to you to schedule an eye exam today.