Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause blindness and vision loss as the condition damages the nerves at the back of your eye, known as the optic nerves. Typically, there aren’t any early symptoms associated with the condition until the person begins to suffer the loss of peripheral vision and develop blind spots in their field of vision. People who experience glaucoma are either prescribed eye drops or undergo laser treatment or surgery, depending on the severity of the damage.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but according to several studies, those with a family history of glaucoma have a heightened risk. Doctors recommend that people aged 40 and above undergo a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one or two years. High eye pressure is one of the possible causes of glaucoma. However, when the patient needs a more direct and effective treatment, doctors recommend the use of YAG laser treatment for glaucoma. The process is safe, provides superior accuracy and precision, and shoots three lasers per second. Additionally, the procedure provides optimal visibility, which decreases the chances of errors.
Glaucoma is no laughing matter, as it can affect your life. It is identified as a common cause of blindness in the USA and other parts of the world. Doctors say there are four common types of glaucoma: secondary, angle-closure, open-angle, and congenital. They point out that aqueous humor is integral to eye function, and anything that blocks the flow can cause pressure to build up, leading to glaucoma.
Here are the different types of glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma
The most common type is open-angle glaucoma. The condition doesn’t reveal itself quickly as the eye pressure increases gradually over time. The increase in pressure pushes the optic nerve, which causes damage, resulting in blind spots. This type of glaucoma tends to be hereditary, and if you have a parent or grandparent with the same condition, you have a significantly higher chance of contracting it.
Closed-angle glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the aqueous humor is blocked and cannot travel outside the organ. This incident causes a quick and severe increase in eye pressure. Doctors consider closed-angle glaucoma as an emergency. In addition, doctors say that certain medications and dilating eye drops can cause an acute glaucoma attack. Statistics also show that if you have acute glaucoma in one eye, there’s a huge risk that they’ll develop the same case in the other eye.
Symptoms include decreased or cloudy vision, sudden and severe pain in the eye, nausea, rainbow-like halos around lights, and red eyes.
Secondary glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma occurs when there’s an adverse reaction to medicines such as corticosteroids, eye diseases such as uveitis, diabetes mellitus, and other eye injuries.
Congenital glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma occurs in babies and is often hereditary and present at birth. Typically, such a condition occurs when the eye doesn’t develop normally inside the womb. Symptoms include enlargement of one or both eyes, cloudiness, red eyes, and sensitivity to light.
Endnote
Glaucoma is a degenerative eye disease that can catch people off-guard. As a result, it’s necessary to undergo eye examinations to prevent such debilitating conditions.
