Glaucoma is an eye state developing as a consequence of excessive fluid pressure building up within the eye. It has a tendency of being inherent and symptoms of glaucoma might not surface till quite later on in life.
The heightened pressure known as intraocular pressure could have a damaging effect on the optic nerve that conveys imagery to the brain. In case harm to the optic nerve due to elevated eye pressure carries on, then glaucoma could lead to loss of eyesight. In case untreated, glaucoma could lead to absolute lasting sightlessness in some years.
As those affected individuals appear to be showing no symptoms of glaucoma early on or sense any pain due to the augmented pressure, it is vital that regular ophthalmologist visits be made for getting diagnosed and hence undergo treatment for glaucoma prior to long-standing eyesight failure takes place.
All those people above forty years of age and having a family history of glaucoma, must undergo a total eye examination with an ophthalmologist in 1to 2 yearly time intervals. Those with health conditions like being diabetic, or a family past of glaucoma or in risk of developing other eye conditions must make appointment with their eye doctor on a frequent basis.
Glaucoma is of two key forms namely:
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Open-angle (wide-angle) glaucoma
Widely prevalent form of glaucoma wherein eye structures seem normal however there is improper fluid flow via the conduit of the eye, known as trabecular meshwork.
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Angle-closure (acute/chronic angle/narrow-angle) glaucoma
A comparatively less prevalent form, however could lead to an abrupt eye pressure build up. Draining could be inadequate as the inclination in between iris and cornea (placing of the drainage conduit) is quite contracted. Optionally the pupil is opening wider, tapering the inclination and hindering the course of the fluid via the conduit.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Generally in majority of the individuals hardly sense any signs or are asymptomatic. The foremost symptom of glaucoma is mostly lost peripheral (side) eyesight that could go unseen till later stages in the condition. Intermittently , intraocular pressure could surge to acute levels leading to abrupt eye pains, headaches, blurry eyesight or halo formations noticed just about the lights could crop up.
In case a person is having any of the below mentioned signs, then it is imperative to get prompt medical attention
- Halo formations just about lights are seen.
- Eyesight failure.
- Reddishness in the eyes.
- Eye that appears cloudy, especially in infancy.
- Feeling nauseous or puking.
- Pain or discomforting sensation felt in the eye.
- Narrowed vision – a condition known as tunnel vision.
