Posted by: OptiVision Eye care in Health, LASIK, Vision

You may have heard of glaucoma, but you may not be aware of the dangers associated with this common eye condition. Glaucoma is an issue within the eye that causes a buildup of pressure, leading to permanent ocular damage. Although the signs of glaucoma may not emerge until later in your life, it is a hereditary condition, which requires vigilance and caution. Familiarize yourself with glaucoma, so that you can recognize the symptoms and seek treatment before it is too late.

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is usually caused when the fluids are not circulating properly within the eye. The irregular flow of aqueous humor, a liquid inside the eye, can create a buildup of pressure against the optic nerve. If left untreated, this pressure can permanently damage the nerve and cut off transmission of images from the eye to the brain. It can sometimes only take a few years for glaucoma to cause permanent blindness. It is still not known what creates the blockage of the eye as glaucoma is not a single disease, but an effect of many different eye conditions.

Although a disruption of the flow of liquid within the eye is most commonly associated with glaucoma, there are several other possible causes. Glaucoma can also be caused by injury, infection, inflammation, and the blockage of blood vessels.

Types of Glaucoma

There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle, or wide-angle, glaucoma is the most common type and involves fluids not flowing properly through the eye’s drainage network known as the trabecular meshwork. Angle-closure, or narrow-angle, glaucoma involves the angle between the iris and cornea being too narrow to allow for sufficient drainage of the eye’s fluids.

Symptoms

  • Vision loss
  • Redness
  • Eyes have a hazy appearance
  • Visual halos
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Eye pain
  • Tunnel vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache

If you feel that you may have glaucoma, contact us immediately and make an appointment. If left untreated, glaucoma can be an extremely dangerous condition.

Do you have any more questions about glaucoma? Don’t be afraid to ask!