There is a saying that the eyes speak louder than words and they are the reflection of mind. Eyes are indeed the most important sense organ that helps us to see the beauty of the world. There are different types of eye diseases that can affect the eyes badly. One such disease is glaucoma.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to an eye disease in which the fluid pressure in the eye rises. If the disease is not treated on time, one can lose his/her vision.
In front of our eyes, there is a small space known as anterior chamber. Through this anterior chamber, a fluid, which nourishes the nearby tissues of the eyes flows. In case of a glaucoma patient, the flow of this fluid becomes too slow and it increases the pressure inside the eyes. If this pressure is not brought under control, the optic nerves and various parts of the eyes can get compressed and this leads to a loss of vision.
Causes of glaucoma:
It is difficult to predict the actual causes of glaucoma. However, experts consider a few cases that can be the reasons of this disease. These cases can be classified into two categories.
Primary glaucoma –where the causes of the disease are unknown.
Secondary glaucoma –causes may include tumor, advanced cataract, diabetes, inflammation or hypothyroidism.
Apart from these, age, eye surgery and other eye injuries and myopia can be the reasons of glaucoma.
Symptoms:
In some cases the patient loses his peripheral vision gradually, both the eyes are affected. If it reaches the advanced stage, the patient suffers from a tunnel vision.
- In other cases, Severe eye pain, eye pain mostly accompanied by nausea and in some cases vomiting
- Red colored eyes
- Blurred vision
- Extra halo like glows can be visible on lights
- Unexpected vision problems can be perceived especially in poor light
Treatment for glaucoma:
The main of the treatment of glaucoma may include improving the flow of fluid or reducing the production of it.
Treatment option in the early stage:
Eyedrops:
The initial treatment of glaucoma can be eye-drops. However, it is highly important to follow the instructions of an eye specialist thoroughly. Eye drops belong to the following categories:
- Prostaglandin Analogues
- Cholinergic Agents
- Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
- Beta Blockers
Treatment options in the advanced stage:
Surgery:
In the advanced stage, when medicines or eye-drops do not work, the only option to treat this disease is surgical intervention. The main motto of the surgery is to bring down the fluid pressure and keep it normal inside the eye. A few surgery options may include –
Trabeculoplasty
Drainage implant or aqueous shunt implant
Filtering surgery
Pain/redness in eyes needs immediate attention, it is better to seek help at the right time!