Explain Glaucoma

Glaucoma, the second most common cause of blindness, is any of a group of diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve, impairing sight. This is usually a result of increased pressure inside the eye.

Causes

• Increasing pressure inside the eye stems from a build-up of eye fluid known as aqueous humor. Normally, this fluid is drained by the eye. Different types of glaucoma are caused by different sorts of blockages to this drainage system.

Symptoms

• Glaucoma's symptoms are often slight, painless and unnoticeable. However, over time, loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision will manifest. Some glaucoma may cause eye pain, nausea and vomiting, red eyes, blurry vision, halos around lights or other vision abnormalities.

Diagnosis

• There are numerous tests for diagnosing different forms of glaucoma. The most common include tonometry (measurement of inner-eye pressure), pachymetry (measurement of corneal thickness), visual inspection for optic nerve damage and evaluation of peripheral vision.

Treatment

• Glaucoma treatments either improve the aqueous humor drainage system, reduce its production or both. Medicated eyedrops, including beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and others, may be used. Sometimes, stronger oral medications or surgery are required.

Prevention

• Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma, so protective eyewear in dangerous environments is an important preventative measure. High blood pressure and obesity are tied to glaucoma, so avoiding these conditions is another preventative measure. Regular eye check-ups and early treatment of increasing pressure can prevent irreversible glaucoma damage.