Glaucoma ( Symptons and Treatment)

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a general term used to explain a set of eye issues that harm the optic nerve. It's the maximum common shape of optic nerve damage main to vision loss.
In most cases, fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This extra fluid places pressure on the eye, regularly destroying the optic nerve.

This stress is known as intraocular strain (IOP), or eye stress.
Some human beings have regular eye strain and nonetheless get glaucoma.
Untreated or poorly managed glaucoma can lead to everlasting and irreversible vision loss and blindness.

Most people with glaucoma have no early signs and symptoms or pain. Visit your eye physician regularly to diagnose and deal with glaucoma earlier than you have a lengthy-term loss of site.
If you lose your site, You lose it forever. But decreasing eye pressure allows you to hold the sight you have.
Most people with glaucoma who observe their remedy plan and feature ordinary eye assessments can maintain their vision.

Is glaucoma common?

Glaucoma is normally a common age-related eye problem that affects an estimated three million Americans. Globally,
it is the second leading cause of blindness after cataracts.

Glaucoma Causes/Risk Factors

People with diabetes are more as likely to get glaucoma.
Other risk factors include:

•     Family history of glaucoma.
•     Farsightedness or hyperopia (for closed-angle glaucoma).
•     High blood pressure (hypertension).
•     Long-term use of corticosteroids.
•     Nearsightedness or myopia (for open-angle glaucoma).
•     Previous eye injury or surgery.
•     Are of African American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent
•     Are over 40
•     Have a family history of glaucoma
•     Are nearsighted or farsighted
•     Have poor vision
•     Have diabetes
•     Take certain steroid medications such as prednisone
•     Take certain drugs for bladder control or seizures, or some over-the-counter cold remedies
•     Have had an injury to your eye or eyes
•     Have corneas that are thinner than usual
•     Have high blood pressure and heart disease.
•     Have high eye pressure

What are the Types of Glaucoma?

•     Open-angle glaucoma.
•     Angle-closure glaucoma.
•     Secondary glaucoma
•     Normal-tension glaucoma.
•     Pigmentary glaucoma.

Symptoms of Glaucoma?
    
Closed-angle glaucoma has severe symptoms that tend to come on suddenly.
With any type, you may experience:

•     Eye pain or pressure.
•     Headaches.
•     Rainbow-colored halos around lights.
•     Low vision, blurred vision, narrowed vision (tunnel vision), or blind spots.
•     Nausea and vomiting.
•     Red eyes.

How is glaucoma treated?

Glaucoma treatments include:

    Eyedrops/Medication:
    Laser treatment: Trabeculoplasty. This opens the drainage area.
                                 Iridotomy. This makes a tiny hole in your iris to let fluid flow more freely.
                                Cyclophotocoagulation. This treats areas of the middle layer of your eye to lower
                                                                        fluid production.   
    Surgery: Microsurgery.
                    Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS).

Tips for  People Living With Glaucoma:
These are some things you can do to help keep your eyes healthy.

•      Regular exercise.
•      Eat healthy Meals.
•      Take your medications.
•      Don't smoke.

How To Prevent Glaucoma.
Glaucoma can not be prevented. But if you notice it early, you can lower the risk of damaging your eyes.
These steps may help protect your vision:    

•     Learn your family history.
•     Follow your doctor’s instructions.
•     Exercise more.
•     Protect your eyes all the time.
•     Have regular eye tests.