Glaucoma is the name for a group of illnesses that can cause you to go blind because of damage to the optic nerve.
Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) occurs when drainage canals in the eye are blocked. Inner eye pressure (called intraocular pressure or IOP) rises because fluid can’t drain out of the eye. POAG is the most common form of glaucoma.
Angle closure glaucoma, or acute glaucoma, occurs when the iris is narrower and more closed than it should be. When the pupil gets too big, or changes size too fast, the outer edge of the iris can bunch up. The bunching obstructs the drainage canals. IOP can increase rapidly and damage the optic nerve. This is the second most common form of glaucoma.
Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is also called low-tension glaucoma or normal pressure glaucoma. Somehow the optic nerve has been damaged, or is vulnerable to being damaged, by normal pressure.
Secondary glaucoma can result from any form of eye trauma, illness such as cancer or diabetes, steroid use, and extreme nearsightedness.
Pediatric glaucoma can usually be cured through the use of medication and surgery, but early intervention is crucial to prevent blindness.
How can glaucoma be treated and prevented?
If you have glaucoma and lose your sight, you can’t reverse the damage. This makes it very important for you to have regular eye exams so you can be checked for glaucoma before you go blind. You might be able to stop its progress and prevent more damage from occurring.
Glaucoma treatment involves several possible approaches: medication, surgery, exercise, and nutrition.
Medication can reduce IOP. Laser surgery creates small scars in the eye’s drainage system. Filtering microsurgery creates a drainage canal in the eye. For angle closure glaucoma, a surgeon can remove part of the iris at its outer edge to relieve pressure.
In addition to helping you prevent or manage diabetes and high blood pressure, exercise may also reduce IOP. Good nutrition can help improve the health of your eyes. Talk to your doctor about what changes might be helpful in your specific circumstances. In particular, drinking caffeine or too much water at once can increase IOP.
