What is qlaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness. It is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.

Glaucoma is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), but it can also occur with normal eye pressure. This is why it is important to have regular eye exams, even if you do not have any symptoms.

There are two main types of glaucoma:

* Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. It occurs when the drainage channels in the eye become blocked, causing pressure to build up inside the eye.

* Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the iris (the colored part of the eye) blocks the drainage channels in the eye. This can cause a sudden increase in eye pressure, which can be very painful.

Glaucoma is a progressive disease, meaning that it gets worse over time. However, it can be controlled with medication, surgery, or laser treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to preserving vision.

Symptoms of glaucoma can include:

* Blurred vision

* Loss of peripheral vision

* Difficulty seeing in low light

* Halos around lights

* Eye pain

* Headaches

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. Glaucoma can be diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam, which includes measuring eye pressure, examining the optic nerve, and testing your peripheral vision.

Treatment for glaucoma depends on the type of glaucoma and the severity of the disease. Treatment options may include:

* Eye drops to lower eye pressure

* Oral medication to lower eye pressure

* Laser surgery to open the drainage channels in the eye

* Traditional surgery to create a new drainage pathway for fluid to leave the eye

Glaucoma is a serious disease, but it can be controlled with early diagnosis and treatment. If you have any of the symptoms of glaucoma, it is important to see an eye doctor right away.