Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve.
Containing more than a million nerve fibers, the optic nerve connects the eye to the brain.
This important nerve is responsible for carrying images to the brain.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
The optic nerve fibers make up a part of the retina that gives us sight.
Over time, high pressure causes the nerve fibers to die, resulting in decreased vision.
Vision loss and blindness will likely result if glaucoma is left untreated.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma.
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of the disease.
As the disease progresses, vision seems to fluctuate and peripheral vision fails.
If left untreated, vision can be reduced totunnel visionand eventually, total blindness.
What Causes Glaucoma?
The canal responsible for draining this fluid becomes plugged, preventing proper drainage.
Researchers do not know exactly what makes some people more prone to this problem.
Other causes may include trauma, genetic disorders, and low blood flow to the optic nerve.
Risk Factors
Having high intraocular pressure increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
Black people 40 years of age and older have the highest risk.
Anyone over 60 years of age is at increased risk, especially Latinx people.
Women are at higher risk than men.
Furthermore, those with a family history of glaucoma are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed
Youreye doctormay usetonometryor gonioscopy to test for glaucoma.
It is important to understand that glaucoma cannot be cured, but can be controlled.
Unfortunately, vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be reversed.
Summary
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve.
It can lead to vision loss and blindness if not treated.
Glaucoma usually doesn’t cause symptoms in its early phases.
Once symptoms appear, you may experience loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision.
Glaucoma is diagnosed with tonometry to measure intraocular pressure and gonioscopy to look at the eye’s drainage angle.
Treatment can include prescription eye drops, oral systemic drugs, and in some cases, surgery.
Glaucoma can’t be cured, but treatment can help control the condition and prevent vision loss.
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