Glaucoma is a collection of eye disorders that cause harm to the optic nerve, ultimately resulting in vision loss. Its prevalence amongst adults over 60 and those with a family history is more likely; however, anyone can be afflicted with Glaucoma regardless of age or background.
It becomes harder for you to focus on things. You may also notice a glare on many surfaces, including ones where there is usually no glare involved. It becomes harder for the eyes to notice the contrast. You may struggle to distinguish between dark and light colors.
Your peripheral vision will become harder to manage. You might not notice things to the sides as well as usual. Some things may be darker than usual, requiring you to need more light to see things. These problems will become more noticeable as glaucoma evolves and becomes more pronounced
What are the leading causes of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when the pressure in the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve. This can occur due to a build-up of fluid in the eye or poor drainage. The increased pressure causes the optic nerve fibres at the back of the eye to be damaged and eventually die, resulting in vision loss.
The cause of this increased pressure is unknown in most cases, but it can be associated with other eye diseases, such as cataracts and diabetes. It may also be caused by certain medications or long-term steroid use.
What does glaucoma look like?
Glaucoma can detrimentally impact one’s vision in multiple ways. Initially, individuals with this condition might struggle to make out objects on the edges of their field of view or may only be capable of discerning that which lies directly ahead.
Both eyes are usually affected, although it may be worse in 1 eye. Very occasionally, glaucoma can develop suddenly and cause: intense eye pain nausea and vomiting a red eye a headache tenderness around the eyes seeing rings around lights blurred vision loss.
As Glaucoma worsens, central vision becomes more impaired, making it difficult to take in what is right before them.
An attack of angle-closure glaucoma includes the following: severe pain in the eye or forehead redness of the eye decreased vision or blurred vision seeing rainbows or halos headache nausea vomiting Normal tension glaucoma symptoms People with “normal tension glaucoma” have eye pressure that is within normal ranges, but show signs of glaucoma, such as blind spots in their field of vision and optic nerve damage.
How do I know if I have Glaucoma? What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
Alarmingly, over half of Americans with Glaucoma are unaware of the condition. Far too often, by the time a person begins to experience reduced vision due to this disease, it is already in its later stages; symptoms can start so gradually that you may not observe them at all. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible to detect if you suffer from Glaucoma before irreversible damage occurs.
– Increased pressure in the eye: Can be caused by a build-up of fluid in the eye or poor drainage.
– Other eye diseases: Glaucoma can be associated with other eye diseases such as cataracts and diabetes.
– Certain medications or long-term steroid use can also increase pressure to dangerous levels, which could lead to Glaucoma.
– Reduced vision on edges of the field of view: This initial symptom is often ignored until it progresses into central vision impairments.
– Comprehensive dilated eye exam: It’s essential for anyone concerned about their eyesight to get this done if they suspect any signs of Glaucoma.
What does Glaucoma Vision look like?
Glaucoma can significantly impact how someone perceives the world around them. People with Glaucoma may experience reduced vision on the edges of their field of view, making it difficult to take in what is right before them.
As Glaucoma progresses, not only does peripheral vision start to diminish, but central vision also becomes more clouded – making it difficult to make out objects nearby. What’s worse is that colours and contrast become incredibly distorted, so much so that people afflicted with this condition cannot entirely differentiate between shapes or shades of colour.
In severe cases, when looking at anything but the object directly ahead of them, individuals may only be able to view bright spots and lights.
Who is most at risk of getting Glaucoma?
Various individuals will express symptoms of Glaucoma in divergent ways, and some may be more predisposed to this eye disease than others. Take into consideration the following details regarding who is at a heightened risk of developing Glaucoma:
– People over the age of 40
– Those with a family history of Glaucoma
– African Americans and Latinos
– Individuals with diabetes, myopia (nearsightedness), or high blood pressure
– Patients taking corticosteroids for long periods.
It is important to remember that even if you do not fit into one of the categories above, you may still be at risk. Therefore, regardless of age or ethnic background, don’t forget to get a comprehensive eye exam every two years.
How is Glaucoma detected?
An optometrist can detect Glaucoma through a thorough dilated eye test. To do this, they will inspect your retina and measure the intraocular pressure within the eye. Additionally, specific instruments may be used to evaluate how well the optic nerve performs.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
Accurately diagnosing glaucoma is simple and stress-free. During your visit to the eye doctor, they will determine how well you can see by administering a vision test. Your pupils may be widened with special drops in order for them to take an up close look at your optic nerve and check for signs of glaucoma. To make sure that any changes are noticed during future visits, pictures may also be taken as part of this process.
Depending on the type of glaucoma you have, your treatment plan may include eye drops to reduce pressure in your eyes, laser treatment to open blocked drainage tubes or decrease fluid production and possibly surgery for improved fluid drainage. For successful management of this condition, regular check-ups are essential.
The most reliable way to detect glaucoma is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. While there isn’t any cure for this condition, beginning treatment promptly can reduce the risk of vision loss and shield your sight.
Types of glaucoma
There are several different types of glaucoma. The most common is called primary open angle glaucoma. This tends to develop slowly over many years. It’s caused by the drainage channels in the eye becoming gradually clogged over time.
Other types of glaucoma include: acute angle closure glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma.
What should I do if I think I have Glaucoma?
If you believe you or a family member might be affected by Glaucoma, make an appointment with an optician immediately. Your optician will perform a comprehensive dilated eye exam to detect the presence of Glaucoma and measure your intraocular pressure (IOP). Early detection is vital to protect vision from potential blindness due to this condition.
Belson Opticians – Leading independent opticians for over 40 years!
Whether young or old, it is a must to routinely get eye exams to identify any potential signs of Glaucoma as soon as possible. This ocular disorder can cause severe and permanent vision impairment if left undetected; therefore, be conscious of your visual state and address any unfamiliar symptoms without delay. Catching the condition early could help save you from complete blindness, so don’t neglect this important task.
Learn more about glaucoma surgery
Learn more about laser treatment for glaucoma Surgery. If medicines and laser treatment don’t work, your doctor might suggest surgery if you have develop glaucoma. There are several different types of surgery that can help the fluid drain out of your eye and prevent permanent vision loss.
If that is the case, make sure to contact Belson Opticians. At our practice, we take pride in offering the highest level of care for all our visual impairment patients. We are more than just a team of opticians; we specialize in caring for your whole family’s eyesight needs with an extensive selection of services and treatments. Contact us today to book an appointment or browse through what we have available!