Understanding Glaucoma: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss and even blindness. It's often referred to as 'silent thief' because it can progress slowly without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has been done.

There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma. Each type requires different treatment approaches.

Causes and Risk Factors

Glaucoma is often caused by an imbalance in the fluid pressure within the eye. This can be due to various factors such as age, family history, high eye pressure, and certain medical conditions.

Other risk factors include a previous eye injury or surgery, diabetes, and taking corticosteroid medications.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

In its early stages, glaucoma may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. However, as it progresses, patients may experience blurred vision, blind spots, or even total blindness.

A comprehensive eye exam is the only reliable way to diagnose glaucoma. This typically involves a visual acuity test, tonometry, and an examination of the optic nerve.