•Dr Priscilia Imade
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damages the optic nerve, which is essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain.
This damage is often caused by elevated pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), although glaucoma can also occurs with normal or even low eye pressure.
Over time, untreated glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness.
There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common forms are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma:
Open-angle glaucoma:
This is the most common form of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage angle within the eye becomes less efficient at draining fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye, leading to a gradual increase in intraocular pressure.
Open-angle glaucoma typically progresses slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms until vision loss has occurred.
Angle-closure glaucoma:
Also known as narrow-angle or closed-angle glaucoma, this form occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked or completely closed, resulting in a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma can cause severe symptoms such as eye pain, headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, and nausea. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Other less common types of glaucoma include normal-tension glaucoma, in which optic nerve damage occurs despite normal intraocular pressure, and secondary glaucoma, which can develop as a result of other eye conditions or factors such as injury, inflammation, or certain medications.
Risk factors for glaucoma include age (older adults are at higher risk), family history of glaucoma, certain medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, and certain ethnic backgrounds (such as African Americans and Hispanics).
Treatment for glaucoma aims to lower intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. This may involve medications (eye drops, oral medications), laser therapy (laser trabeculoplasty), or surgical procedures (trabeculectomy, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery). Regular eye exams and early detection are crucial for managing glaucoma and preserving vision.
*Dr Priscilia Imade is CEO, Modern Eye Clinic, Lagos. E-mail: moderneyecliniclagos@gmail.com
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