Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. The condition is linked to the pressure buildup in the eye and worsens over time. The disease tends to occur in families and usually manifests later in life. 

Increased pressure in the eye, known as intraocular pressure, damages the optic nerve that sends images to the brain. If the damage worsens, it can cause vision loss or total blindness. 

Causes of Glaucoma

The eye contains an eye fluid known as aqueous humor, which flows out of the eye through a channel resembling a mesh. If too much fluid is produced or the channel becomes blocked, it causes buildup. It is unclear what causes the blockage, but the condition is often inherited. 

Glaucoma can also be due to a severe eye infection, inflammatory conditions, chemical, and blunt force injuries, and blocked blood vessels. In rare cases, surgery to correct an existing eye condition can lead to glaucoma. 

Types of Glaucoma
 

The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. 

Open-angle glaucoma, or wide-angle glaucoma, is the most common kind. It occurs when fluid fails to flow out of the trabecular meshwork or the drain structure in the eye. 

Angle-closure glaucoma, also known as acute angle-closure, is most common in Asia. It occurs when the drain space is too narrow, preventing proper eye drainage and causing pressure buildup. 

Other types are secondary, normal-tension, and pigmentary glaucoma. 

Warning Signs of Glaucoma
 

Blind Spots

Experiencing vision blind spots can indicate that an individual has glaucoma. The blind spots in the peripheral or central vision are usually the first sign of glaucoma. 

Eye Pain and Headaches

Many people with vision issues experience headaches and eye pain. They are usually symptoms of vision conditions but can be a symptom of angle-closure glaucoma. 

Eye Redness 

Eye redness, usually accompanied by pain, can be caused by injury or infection. It is also a sign of acute glaucoma. 

Nausea or Vomiting 

Severe eye pain, often accompanied by headaches, can cause nausea or vomiting. The symptoms can also signify an individual has glaucoma. 

Halos Around Lights

Seeing halos or rainbow-colored circles around lights can be signs of vision and eye issues, including glaucoma. 

Sensitivity to Light

If you experience sensitivity to light, it can be a sign of eye disease such as glaucoma. It is especially the case when it happens suddenly or consistently. 

Vision Loss

If you experience sudden vision loss, you require emergency treatment. Vision loss usually occurs with glaucoma in the advanced stages.  

Hazy-looking Eyes

If your child has a hazy eye, it could be a sign of glaucoma. 

Treatment for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a lifelong disease, but various treatments can prevent the condition from worsening. Treatment is based on the type of the disease and includes medications such as eyedrops that help lower pressure. Other treatment options are oral medications, laser surgery, microsurgery, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS). 

There are tips to manage glaucoma and keep your eyes healthy. They include eating healthy, regularly exercising, taking medication, avoiding smoking, limiting caffeine intake, and scheduling regular eye exams.

For more on the warning signs of glaucoma and what to do, visit Clarity Eye Care at our McKinney, Texas office. Call (972) 954-9595 to schedule an appointment.