Glaucoma
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), but can also occur with normal pressure. Glaucoma is typically gradual and painless, meaning many people don’t notice symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. It’s one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.
Symptoms and Signs:
In the early stages, glaucoma may have no symptoms. As it progresses, people may experience:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots or floaters in vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Loss of central or peripheral vision
- Seeing faded or washed-out colours
- Sudden vision loss in advanced stages
Diagnosis:
Glaucoma is detected through routine comprehensive eye exams, which may include:
- Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside the eye
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for signs of damage
- Perimetry (Visual Field Test): Identifies areas of peripheral vision loss
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed images of the optic nerve and retina
- Gonioscopy: Examines the drainage angle of the eye
Treatment:
While vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment can prevent further damage:
- Prescription Eye Drops: Help reduce eye pressure by decreasing fluid production or improving drainage
- Oral Medications: May be used in conjunction with eye drops to lower intraocular pressure
- Laser Therapy (e.g., SLT or ALT): Helps fluid drain from the eye more efficiently
- Surgery: Procedures like trabeculectomy or implantation of drainage devices may be used in severe cases
The Impact
Glaucoma affects peripheral vision first, meaning it can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. As it progresses, individuals may struggle with tasks like navigating crowded areas, driving (especially at night), or noticing obstacles from the side. This can increase the risk of accidents and reduce confidence in mobility. With early diagnosis and consistent treatment, most people with glaucoma can maintain functional vision and a high quality of life. Regular eye exams are essential—especially for people over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, or individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure.