Glaucoma Awareness Month: Warning Signs of Glaucoma
One of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 60 is glaucoma. It is a collection of intricate eye disorders that harm the optic nerve. For clear vision, the optic nerve that transmits visual data from the eye to the brain is essential. High pressure in your eye is frequently associated with damage to the optic nerve.
While it can strike anyone, older people are more likely to develop glaucoma. Glaucoma sometimes develops with normal eye pressure and frequently without any prior symptoms. Regular eye exams that include measuring your eye pressure are crucial. Early glaucoma diagnosis allows for possible prevention or slowing of vision loss.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye and is hereditary. Usually, it does not develop until much later in life. The optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain, can be impacted by growing pressure in your eye. Within a couple of years, glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss or total blindness if the condition develops.
The two most prevalent forms of glaucoma are angle-closure and primary open-angle glaucoma. A common nickname for open-angle glaucoma is "the silent thief of sight" since it doesn't manifest symptoms until severe vision loss has already taken place.
Forms of Glaucoma and Their Symptoms
Acute-closure
In Asia, this type of glaucoma is far more prevalent. Narrow-angle glaucoma is another name for chronic, acute, or angle-closure glaucoma. The drainage area between your cornea and iris typically blocks or narrows when your iris bulges partially or entirely. Usually, it results in an abrupt increase in eye pressure. Additionally, it relates to a clouding of the eye's lens, cataracts, and farsightedness.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma has pronounced symptoms and causes rapid damage. Take prompt action to contact an eye doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Symptoms
Eye redness
Severe headache
Blurred vision
Severe eye pain
Halos or colored rings around lights
Nausea or vomiting
Open-angle Glaucoma
It is glaucoma's most prevalent form. The trabecular meshwork in your eye that serves as a drain appears in good condition, yet fluid doesn't exist as it should. Open-angle glaucoma often has no early symptoms. It progresses gradually, sometimes for years, without causing any apparent vision loss.
Symptoms
Presents no early signs or symptoms
Gradually affects your peripheral vision, causing patchy blind spots
It becomes challenging to see things in your central vision as it develops
Glaucoma With Normal Tension
Researchers are still determining why the optic nerve incurs damage when the eye pressure is regular. Some theorize that the blood supply to the optic nerve could be reduced or more sensitive.
The accumulation of fatty deposits within the arteries or other diseases that impair circulation may be responsible for restricted blood flow.
Symptoms
This form of glaucoma presents no notable symptoms in the early stages. Gradually, you may develop blurry vision and, in later stages, even loss of peripheral vision.
For more on the warning signs of glaucoma this glaucoma awareness month, visit TMS Eyecare at our offices in Wichita or Arkansas City, Kansas. Call (316) 669-4760, (316) 686-7212, or (620) 442-2577 to book an appointment today.
