Glaucoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain.
This damage often occurs due to high pressure within the eye, though it can develop even with normal eye pressure levels.
Without proper treatment, glaucoma can lead to vision loss or complete blindness.
This condition can affect people of all ages but becomes more common as we age. In fact, glaucoma ranks among the leading causes of blindness in people over 60 years old.
One challenging aspect of glaucoma is its silent progression. Many forms develop without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
The vision changes happen so gradually that many people don’t realize anything is wrong until the disease has advanced considerably.
Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection. These exams should include measurements of eye pressure to catch glaucoma before substantial vision loss occurs.
Once diagnosed, patients require lifelong treatment or monitoring to manage the condition effectively.
Signs and Symptoms
Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Early stages: No noticeable symptoms.
- Mid stages: Patchy blind spots in peripheral (side) vision.
- Advanced stages: Difficulty with central vision.
Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly. Most people don’t notice any changes until significant vision loss has occurred.
Sudden Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Intense headache
- Severe eye discomfort
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Cloudy vision
- Colored rings or halos around lights
- Redness in the eye
This form comes on quickly and requires immediate medical attention.
Low-Pressure Glaucoma
- No early warning signs
- Vision becomes gradually less clear
- Side vision loss as condition progresses
Despite normal eye pressure readings, this type can still damage the optic nerve.
Childhood Glaucoma
- Cloudy eye appearance in babies
- Excessive blinking
- Unexplained tears
- Unclear vision
- Progressive nearsightedness
- Head pain
These symptoms in children require prompt evaluation.
Pigment-Related Glaucoma
- Light halos
- Blurry vision during physical activity
- Slow loss of peripheral vision
This type occurs when pigment particles block drainage channels.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience sudden symptoms like a severe headache with eye pain, get emergency help immediately. Contact an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) right away or go to an emergency room, as immediate treatment is necessary.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. In this form, the drainage angle between the iris and cornea stays open, but other parts of the drainage system don’t work well.
This leads to a slow buildup of fluid called aqueous humor. When this fluid can’t drain properly, eye pressure rises gradually. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve over time.
The exact cause remains unclear, but genetics play an important role. Many people with open-angle glaucoma have family members with the condition.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This type occurs when the iris bulges forward and blocks the drainage angle either partially or completely. When the drainage system becomes blocked, fluid cannot circulate properly, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure.
Unlike open-angle glaucoma, this form can develop suddenly and is considered a medical emergency. Some people develop it gradually. People with narrow drainage angles or farsightedness face higher risks.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
In normal-tension glaucoma, the optic nerve becomes damaged despite normal eye pressure. Doctors aren’t completely sure why this happens.
Possible causes include:
- Unusually sensitive optic nerves
- Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve
- Fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Circulation problems
This type shows that factors beyond eye pressure can damage the optic nerve.
Childhood Glaucoma
Children can be born with glaucoma or develop it during early childhood. Several factors may cause this condition:
| Possible Causes | Description |
|---|---|
| Drainage problems | The eye’s drainage system doesn’t develop properly |
| Eye injury | Trauma to the eye damages drainage channels |
| Medical conditions | Certain underlying health issues affect eye development |
Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision in children with glaucoma.
Pigmentary Glaucoma
In this type, tiny pigment granules break loose from the iris and float around in the eye fluid. These granules can clog the drainage system where the iris and cornea meet.
Physical activities like jogging sometimes stir up these pigment particles, causing them to block drainage channels and increase eye pressure. This type of glaucoma is more common in younger adults and those who are nearsighted.
Genetics play a significant role in all types of glaucoma. Scientists have identified specific genes related to high eye pressure and optic nerve damage in some people with a family history of the condition.
Risk Factors
People can get glaucoma without noticing symptoms at first. Several factors increase the risk of developing this eye condition:
Health and Physical Factors
- High eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
- Thin corneas in the center
- Narrow drainage angles in the eye
- Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
Personal Factors
- Age over 55
- Black, Asian, or Hispanic background
- Family history of glaucoma
- Eye injuries or certain eye surgeries
Medical Conditions
- Diabetes
- Migraines
- High blood pressure
- Sickle cell anemia
Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines, especially as eye drops, may also increase the risk.
Ways to Protect Your Vision
Regular eye exams are key to catching glaucoma early. If you’re under 40, get your eyes checked every 5 to 10 years. For those 40-54, exams should happen every 2 to 4 years.
People aged 55-64 should visit an eye doctor every 1 to 3 years. If you’re over 65, aim for checks every 1 to 2 years. Those with higher risk factors need more frequent screenings.
Know your risk factors. If your parents or siblings have glaucoma, tell your eye doctor. This family history may mean you need more frequent checkups.
Protect your eyes from injury. Eye injuries can lead to glaucoma later in life.
Always wear proper eye protection when:
- Using power tools
- Playing contact sports
- Working with chemicals
- Doing yard work
Follow your treatment plan. If your doctor prescribes eye drops to lower eye pressure, use them exactly as directed. This is important even if you feel fine and have no symptoms.
