What are the Types and Symptoms of Glaucoma?

The expert eye doctors have a special demand in the field of ophthalmology and glaucoma specialists are no exclusion. Being the second leading cause of preventable blindness in the globe, diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma has become very crucial. It requires exceptional attention, care and expertise to execute the treatment of glaucoma. So for monitoring the condition and prescribing the proper medication and treatment, the best eye surgeons in Mumbai are of greatest help.

Overview of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a certain eye condition where abnormally high pressure in the eye slowly damages the optic nerve. Optic nerve is responsible for sending images to the brain so that we can see. So the health of this optic nerve is vital for a good vision.

This eye disease is more common in advanced ages, although it can occur at any age. Also, there are instances of babies born with glaucoma. Often patients can’t even identify any early warning sign of this disorder. Because of the gradual progress of the symptoms, the disease is noticed at an advanced stage. The disease often runs in families.

Glaucoma is non-curable, it causes irreversible blindness. But the cause of glaucoma, i.e. high ocular pressure, can be treated. If detected in the earlier days, medication or surgery can stop the growth of the disease. But the vision already lost due to the condition, can never be recovered.

Causes of Glaucoma

The damage of the optic nerve in human eyes causes glaucoma. When the health condition of the nerve gradually lowers, there comes blind spots in the visual field. And elevated eye pressure is the reason for this nerve damage.

But how does eyes develop elevated pressure? Sometimes there is a buildup of a fluid that flows inside the eye. Generally this internal fluid drains out through a tissue at the angle where the iris and cornea joins.

So if there is an overproduction of the fluid or any issue with the drainage system, the fluid is blocked and can’t flow out at its usual rate. This gradually increases the eye pressure and if left untreated for a long time, causes glaucoma.

Types and Symptoms of Glaucoma

There are a lot of aged people who go through glaucoma. And studies have revealed that these people are four times more likely to fall and it becomes a dangerous issue for driving (source: Fundaction IMO).

Below are the types of glaucoma and the symptoms associated with this disorder. The signs and symptoms vary depending upon the age and stage of the disease. So, if you find you have any of these symptoms, rush to the top glaucoma specialist in Mumbai for advanced diagnosis and treatment.

Open-Angle Glaucoma :

This is the most usual type of the disorder. When the cornea and iris forms the drainage angle and it remains open, but the tissue is partially blocked, the eye pressure increases. This causes damage to the optic nerve and slowly the patient loses vision. The symptoms are :
Patchy bind spots in the peripheral or central vision,
In the advanced stages, there might be tunnel vision
Also the patient might not experience any symptoms at all.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma :

Angle-closure glaucoma is also called closed-angle glaucoma. It occurs when the iris bulges becomes narrow or hinders the drainage angle that the cornea and iris forms. Therefore the fluid can’t pass through the eye and pressure is elevated.

People with thin drainage angels are at increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma. This disorder, when occurs suddenly, is called acute angle-closure glaucoma and when occurs gradually, is called chronic angle-closure glaucoma. Acute angle-closure glaucoma needs urgent medical care.

The symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma are :
Extreme headache
Pain in the eyes
Tendency to vomit
Visual disorders
Halos around lights
Redness in the eyes etc.

Normal Tension Glaucoma

When the optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure is within the normal range, the condition is called normal tension glaucoma. The exact reason for this is still unknown. The possibilities are due to sensitive optic nerves or less blood supply in the optic nerve etc.

The limited blood flow in the optic nerve can occur due to the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries or other medical conditions that hinder the circulation.

Prevention of Glaucoma :

Although glaucoma can not be cured, staying alert and practicing some self-care steps can help you prevent loss of vision or progress of the disorder. Check out some of the tips below :

Regular eye exam :

Getting your eyes checked regularly after the age of 40 can help you prevent many serious conditions. Try to visit your eye doctor at least once a year. Also, the best glaucoma specialist or eye surgeon in Mumbai, can help you with the same.

Learn your family’s eye health :

As glaucoma runs in the family, learning the history of your family’s eye health can help you take precautionary measures for preventing glaucoma.

Regular safe exercise :

Moderate level of regular exercise can help you lessen the risk of eye pressure. So talk to your doctor for more expert guidance on the same.

Application of prescribed eye drops :

Take the prescribed glaucoma eye drops regularly to avoid the elevated level of eye pressure. This can prevent the risk of blindness even if you don’t have any symptoms.

When to Visit Your Glaucoma Specialist ?

If you’re suffering from blurry vision, eye pain, intense headache, vomiting sensation and rainbow coloured vision, promptly visit your glaucoma specialist or Get in Touch with us for advanced eye check-up, diagnosis and treatment.