Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid builds up inside the eyeball, damaging the optic nerve. It’s most often caused by high pressure within the eye. The damage to the optic nerve leads to vision loss.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma affects more than 60 million people worldwide. It’s the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world. In fact, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States.
The Cause of Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up inside the eyeball, damaging the optic nerve. This pressure buildup can damage the retina, resulting in permanent vision loss. There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle and closed-angle. Open-angle glaucoma is caused by increased resistance to flow through the drainage system of the eye. Closed-angle glaucoma results from blockage of the drainage system. Both types of glaucomas can lead to similar symptoms, such as blurred vision, pain, and sensitivity to light.
Common Symptoms
Glaucoma can affect both eyes, although one eye typically experiences more severe symptoms than the other. If you notice any changes in your vision, contact your doctor immediately.
The Three Stages Of Glaucoma
There are three stages of glaucoma: early, moderate, and advanced. Early-stage glaucoma usually does not cause symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, patients may begin to experience blurred vision, headaches, and other visual disturbances. Moderate-stage glaucoma causes permanent damage to the optic nerve and results in significant vision loss. Advanced stage glaucoma leads to blindness.
Treatments for Glaucoma
If you notice any changes in your vision, contact your doctor immediately. You should also schedule regular checkups with your eye care professional. They will perform tests to determine whether you have glaucoma and recommend treatment options based on your individual needs. In most common treatments medications like Bimatoprost are used as the first line of treatment.
