What is Glaucoma

The eye is one of the five sense organs of our body. It gives us sight which enables us to see different objects. It is one of the most sensitive organ we have, and hence requires extra care. But like any other part of the body, the eyes may also experience many problems and diseases. One such eye problem is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases which attack the optic nerves, damages them and slowly results in blindness. Glaucoma is considered as the second major reason behind the loss of eyesight around the world. A patient suffering from this disease doesn't even realize the problem, and by that time that happens, it gets too late. So let's move further and find out what are the types, causes, symptoms and treatment of glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma of the Eye?

The eye is a very sensitive organ of our body. It is made up of nerves and numerous blood vessels. The aqueous humor present in our eye helps to keep it moist, lubricated, and balance the pressure inside the eye. But in case of glaucoma eye disease, the aqueous humor remains inside the eye either due to blockage or because of its excess secretion. This results in building up of pressure which damages the nerves and finally results in blindness.

Types and Causes of Glaucoma

There are many types of glaucoma which have different causes. Following are some of the types which also revel what causes glaucoma. Apart from the below given causes, there is one most important reason behind glaucoma, i.e. age. Age plays a very important role in getting glaucoma. Except the primary congenital glaucoma, rest all the types of glaucoma mostly take place after the age of 40. So, let's check out the other causes and type of glaucoma.

• Primary Congenital Glaucoma: Some people have internal eye damages and eye problems by birth which may further cause glaucoma. This is usually observed in children who complain about watery eye and sensitiveness to light.
• Open Angle (Chronic) Glaucoma: This is one of the most common type of glaucoma in the United States. This takes place as a result of slow draining of liquid from the angle between the iris and cornea. This increases the intra-ocular pressure inside the eye and damages the optical nerve fibers.
• Closed Angle (Acute) Glaucoma: Closed angle acute glaucoma is the second most common type of glaucoma. It is caused when the iris over grows and blocks the angle of drainage. This results in very less drainage and hence there is a build up of fluid which increases the pressure. Excess pressure results in nerve damage.
• Normal Tension Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma has nothing to do with the intra-ocular pressure. The pressure is normal but there are some optical nerve damages which can harm the eyesight.
• Secondary Glaucoma: The optic nerve damages which are caused due to accidents, trauma or any other diseases are known as secondary glaucoma.

Symptoms and Treatment of Glaucoma

If we talk about the symptoms, then glaucoma does not show any prominent symptoms in the early stages. But later on, the glaucoma symptoms may comprise nausea, blurred vision, vomiting, fainting, etc. All these symptoms will be accompanied by severe pain in the eyes. The eyes will become sensitive to light, and if not taken care of in time, may result in complete loss of eyesight. Treatment of glaucoma totally depends upon the cause and symptoms of glaucoma in that particular patient. Following are some of them.

• Some of the glaucoma medications and drugs like epinephrine, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandins, etc., are prescribed by the doctor. They reduce the secretion of fluid which in turn reduces the pressure.
• You may also be prescribed with special eye drops for glaucoma which are very helpful in reducing nerve pressure.
• The last option is laser surgery for glaucoma. It drains the fluid from the eye and burns some tissues of the drainage canal which helps in maintaining the pressure.

So, take care of your eyes and go for a regular checkup at least once a year. This will reduce the chances of getting glaucoma and your eyesight will be good forever.