Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. While this can seem scary, proper eye care and early treatment can reduce vision loss and save your eyesight. If you suspect you're experiencing this disorder, here's what to know about it.

A Brief Guide to Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a term describing several eye disorders that harm the optic nerve. As the problem progresses, an individual's vision gets compromised. 

The damage is due to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by fluid buildup in the front of the eye. This accumulation can occur when the drainage canals in the visual organs become clogged, or fluid is overproduced. However, aside from IOP, the direct cause of glaucoma is still unknown. 

Are there different types of glaucoma? 

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common kind of this disorder, and it happens when fluid cannot drain due to deposits. In contrast, a closed-angle type is rare. This condition occurs when the angle of the pathways in your eye is too narrow to drain fluid quickly enough. 

Normal-tension glaucoma is not related to IOP buildup. Instead, damage occurs to the optic nerve while eye pressure remains stable. The reason for this is unknown but may be related to heart disease, inflammation, lack of blood circulation, etc. Another type, congenital glaucoma, occurs when babies are born with improperly functioning drainage canals. 

Who is at risk for glaucoma? 

Some risk factors include high internal eye pressure, a family history of glaucoma, sleep apnea, chronic congestion,  old age, thin corneas, being extremely nearsighted or farsighted, and taking corticosteroid medications for long periods. 

You're also more likely to experience glaucoma if you have certain medical conditions, specifically diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Black, Asian, and Hispanic ethnicities and those who previously had an eye injury have a higher risk, too.

What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms of glaucoma can go unnoticed for years, as they occur gradually over time and are often subtle. However, if you experience any signs of this condition, seeing an optometrist is essential for proper eye care. 

Some symptoms include headaches, eye pain or pressure, rainbow-colored halos around lights, vision problems, red eyes, nausea, and vomiting. Visiting an optometrist for yearly eye exams will help catch problems early.

How is glaucoma treated?

Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can delay or prevent permanent vision loss. However, any damage caused by the condition cannot be restored. Common treatments involve prescription drops and medications to alleviate eye pressure or laser treatment to improve drainage. You might also need surgery, which may provide pressure relief and help with drainage. Nonetheless, these treatments are not a cure but are most helpful in stabilizing your glaucoma, so you'll still need to manage glaucoma and be proactive about your eye care.

For a proactive approach to eye care, trust the professionals at Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates, in Aiea, HI. Their award-winning staff offers various services to maintain your eyesight, including regular exams, preventative nutritional counseling, and laser eye correction. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and call (808) 487-5500 to schedule an appointment today.