What is it?
Glaucoma is a disease characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve and can progress for years without symptoms. It is one of the most common causes of blindness. Vision lost from glaucoma is not recoverable, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment most often prevent further vision loss. Glaucoma has two main forms: Chronic open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form, and the rare form of angle-closure glaucoma or acute glaucoma.
What is it due to?
Glaucoma is caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor – a fluid that is normally produced and circulates within the eye – resulting in increased intraocular pressure. Over time, this pressure on the optic nerve can lead to progressive and irreversible damage.
Who is at high risk for glaucoma?
Those with a history of glaucoma in their family, patients who take cortisone in any form for long periods of time, people who have high intraocular pressure, and patients with diabetes.
What is the treatment?
Medications are the most common treatment for open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common form of glaucoma. Some reduce the production of aqueous humor, while others improve its drainage, resulting in a reduction in intraocular pressure.
Antiglaucoma medications should be taken regularly and on a continuous basis. Like all medications, they can cause side effects such as: headaches, blurred vision, burning and foreign body sensation in the eye, redness, or even affect heart rate or breathing.
In other cases, laser surgery or even surgical treatment may be required.