GLAUCOMA

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that affects the optic nerve. The optic nerve is located at the back of the eye and sends signals from the eye to the brain. Usually damage to the nerve is caused by increased pressure inside the eye, but it may also be due to other reasons.

WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA?

The eyeball contains fluid called aqueous humor which is produced continuously in the eye and the excess is drained through tubes. When the Aqeuous humor drains too slowly, pressure builds up in the eye. If the increased eye pressure is not controlled, it may cause damage to the optic nerve and nerve fibres of the Retina resulting in loss of vision.

Everybody is at risk for glaucoma, although older people have an increased risk of developing it. People who are aged 40 years or older, are short-sighted or have a family history of glaucoma are more at risk.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SYMPTOMS?

The early stages of the most common form of glaucoma may go unnoticed. Vision loss usually begins with loss of peripheral or side vision (Tunnel Vision). A person may unconsciously compensate for this by turning their head to the side. It is important to have regular eye checks from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, particularly for people who have the risk factors for glaucoma.

CAN IT BE TREATED?

If glaucoma is not detected early it can lead to significant loss of vision and blindness. Treatment is currently aimed at reducing the pressure in the eye with eye drops, laser treatment or surgery. Treatment may slow down or stop vision loss but it cannot restore any vision that has already been lost. That is why frequent eye tests are important especially for people with risk factors.