Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, affects an estimated 1 of every 50 adults. Although glaucoma can occur at any age, the risk of developing this increases dramatically after the age of 35. It is also more likely to develop in persons who are severely near-sighted, persons with a family history of the condition, diabetics and blacks. Because the early symptoms of glaucoma are so slight, the disease often goes unnoticed until the damage is permanent. However, with early detection and careful treatment, loss of vision due to glaucoma can be prevented.

 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. When light enters the eye, an image is focused on the retina, the delicate nerve layer lining the inside back wall of the eye. The retina then transforms the light images into electrical impulses, which are carried to the brain by the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve and retina causes blind spots in the field of vision. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness will occur.

 

What causes Glaucoma?

It is usually caused by an increase in the fluid pressure in the eye. The front part of the eye contains a clear, nourishing fluid called the aqueous, which constantly circulates through the eye. Normally, this fluid leaves the eye through a drainage system and returns to the blood. Glaucoma occurs from an overproduction of fluid or when the drainage system becomes blocked, causing fluid pressure to increase. The high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss. The exact reason the fluid system in the eye stops functioning properly has not yet been completely understood.

 

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?

The early symptoms associated with chronic open angle glaucoma (the most common form of the disease) are usually unnoticed. In most cases, the initial build-up of pressure is gradual, without any discomfort or pain. Most people do not detect any change in their vision until substantial loss of sight has occurred. Certain parts of peripheral vision are affected first, with the top, sides and bottom of the field of vision becoming affected. Later, central vision becomes affected. Mild headaches and difficulty with night vision may be experienced. Patients stricken with acute closed angle glaucoma experience more evident symptoms – blurred vision, pain, nausea and halos around lights. Congenital glaucoma presents noticeable symptoms in infants, including enlarged eyes, cloudy cornea, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing.

 

How is Glaucoma diagnosed?

In most cases, glaucoma is detected during a routine eye examination, before the patient experiences any vision problems. The evaluation for glaucoma is painless, and involves checking the pressure of the eye with a tonometer. The optic nerve is examined with an ophthalmoscope. This instrument illuminates and magnifies the back of the eye. A special mirrored magnifying lens called ‘gonioscope’ is used to examine the drainage channels for proper fluid outflow. If any signs of glaucoma are detected, the patient’s field of vision is tested for blind spots and shrinking of peripheral vision.

 

How can I treat Glaucoma?

Glaucoma cannot be cured. Lost vision is impossible to restore. If detected early, however, a combination of laser treatment, eye drops and medication can be used to treat it. Eye drops and pills are used to lower the pressure inside the eye, preventing damage to the optic nerve. They allow faster drainage of fluid from the eye or less fluid production inside the eye. In some cases, laser treatment is required to avoid any side effects of medications or eye drops. It has been proved that surgery performed at an early stage is more effective than eye drop treatment carried out over a long period of time. The laser is used to improve drainage and reduce fluid pressure. We at the Banaji Eyecare & Surgery Centre carry out all tests and all forms of treatment for glaucoma.