Glaucoma is characterized as a group of eye diseases which
gradually steal sight without warning. Improper drainage of aqueous
humor (inner-eye fluid) through the drainage angle causes pressure
to build within the eye. When this pressure increases, the
connection to the optic nerve becomes damaged, resulting in vision
loss.
There are two common types of glaucoma:
Open-angle glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma:
Within the eye exists a series of meshes known as the trabecular
meshwork, which facilitates the drainage of the eye’s fluid, known
as aqueous humor. Over time, this meshwork can become less
efficient at draining aqueous humor due to clogging. As this
happens, your intraocular pressure (IOP) rises, causing the retinal
cells that are responsible to your vision to die, and damage to the
optic nerve. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of
glaucoma, accounting for over 90% of glaucoma cases. It is also
sometimes referred to as chronic glaucoma, as it is a
lifelong condition.
Typically, open-angle glaucoma has no early-indicating symptoms.
Patients diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma usually do not notice
vision loss until the optic nerve has been substantially damaged.
As the optic nerve becomes increasingly damaged, glaucoma patients
will begin to notice black spots in their field of vision that
gradually become larger as more optic nerve fibers die. This
gradual death of nerve fibers will result in complete blindness if
left unmanaged.
Closed-angle glaucoma:
Unlike open-angle glaucoma, which occurs when the trabecular
meshwork becomes clogged over time, closed-angle glaucoma occurs
when an individual’s iris and cornea occur too close together,
blocking the drainage canals which allow aqueous humor to flow out
freely. This condition, known as an acute attack, develops very
quickly as intraocular pressure rapidly increases. It is considered
a true emergency requiring immediate attention.
Symptoms of a closed-angle acute attack can include:
Sudden, blurry vision
Severe eye pain
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Rainbow “halos” around lights
If you begin experiencing any of these symptoms, it is
considered a medical emergency, and should be treated immediately.
Unfortunately, many of the people with the highest risks for
developing closed-angle glaucoma exhibit little to no symptoms
prior to an acute attack.
The best prevention against glaucoma is to regularly schedule a
comprehensive eye exam. Even if you aren't currently experiencing
any symptoms, a dilated eye exam can diagnose and treat early
symptoms of glaucoma that may otherwise go unnoticed until it is
too late. To schedule an appointment with us, call our Mishawaka
location at (574) 271-3939, or register online.
EyeSmart Education, provided by the American Academy of
Ophthalmology
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