What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease which causes loss of vision in individuals affected by the condition. Glaucoma develops when the pressure of the fluid inside the eye gets too high. Fluid enters the eye at a structure called the ciliary body and exits the eye at a structure called the trabecular meshwork.

With glaucoma, there is a problem with fluid draining normally from the eye. When the pressure inside the eye builds up, damage to the optic nerve develops where the nerve enters the back of the eye. Several forms of glaucoma exist, and each is treated differently. Patients with a family history of glaucoma are at increased risk for the development of this condition.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Research into the causes of glaucoma has been going on for many years. Some studies suggest that the risk for this condition could be inherited, as it can be seen in family lines. Doctors know that glaucoma involves increased intraocular pressure caused by the buildup of fluid in the eye. This could happen due to a blockage in the mesh-like channel through which fluid drains from the eye. However, no clear cause has yet been found.

While excessive pressure in the eye is a contributing cause of glaucoma, there are some cases in which the optic nerve sustains damage in the absence of elevated intraocular pressure. Conversely, not everyone with increased intraocular pressure develops glaucoma. Continued research is needed to better understand the underlying factors that cause this condition.

Because glaucoma can be so discreet, all adults must maintain periodic eye exams from an ophthalmologist. A full exam should include routine testing as well as the direct examination of the optic nerve.

What Is Considered Normal Eye Pressure?

Intraocular pressure between 12 and 22 mm Hg is considered normal. The “mm Hg” refers to millimeters of mercury, the scale used to measure eye pressure. Intraocular pressure can change throughout the day due to several factors. Fluctuations are normal but can present a threat to the optic nerve when they linger at the upper level. There are also instances in which glaucoma occurs even when eye pressure is within the normal range. This is referred to as normal-tension glaucoma. Because glaucoma can occur without elevated eye pressure, it is important to have routine dilated eye exams that evaluate the optic nerve.

What Are The Symptoms Of Glaucoma?

The signs of glaucoma correlate with the type of glaucoma a person has and the severity of their condition. Open-Angle Glaucoma May Cause:

• Patchy blind spots in central or peripheral (side) vision. This often affects both eyes.

• Tunnel vision occurs when this type of glaucoma worsens.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma May Cause:

• Blurred vision

• Severe headache

• Eye redness

• Halos around lights

• Eye pain

• Nausea and vomiting

Can Glaucoma Be Caused By Stress?

Glaucoma is generally related to a functional failure in the balance between fluid production in the eye and the drainage of that fluid. The eye is like a basketball or beach ball. It requires pressure to maintain its shape. In the case of a beach ball, that shape is maintained with air pressure. In the eye, pressure comes from the aqueous fluid. When something goes awry with the internal eye structures, intraocular pressure can become dysregulated, leading to extraordinarily high pressure, glaucoma.

There are also instances of normal-tension glaucoma, in which the pressure in the eye falls in the normal range. It is not known exactly what causes this condition. However, some research points to a decrease in blood flow to the optic nerve as a factor in the progression of normal-tension glaucoma. Further data suggest that the emotional state of a person can affect intraocular pressure and therefore contribute to the severity of glaucoma.

Can stress cause glaucoma? Current evidence is inconclusive. However, because emotions and intraocular pressure seem to be interrelated, patients with glaucoma may benefit from stress management practices such as breathing exercises.

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

To diagnose glaucoma, an ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough consultation in which your medical history is reviewed. A comprehensive eye examination is also performed. During the eye exam, specific tests may be performed. These include:

Tonometry, which measures intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye)
Visual field test, which checks for central and peripheral vision loss
Pachymetry, which measures the thickness of the cornea
Gonioscopy, which evaluates the drainage angle of the eye
Observation of the optic nerve while the eyes are dilated
These tests do not take long and are not painful. Measurements are recorded and pictures may be taken to future comparison.

The Potential Impact of Glaucoma on Your Life

Although patients can be depressed at the onset of this disease it is important to not be consumed with the negative aspects. This eye disease does not have to limit your lifestyle. Continue with regular activities and try not to be consumed with the emotional aspects of having a disease. If you have a business, start new initiatives; if you play golf, go hit some golf balls or if you enjoy cooking, try some new recipes.

There may some more physical activities such as athletics or driving that will become hard to do. It is common for some glaucoma patients to experience light sensitivity or specific problems with light glare. Because driving can endanger others it is important to discuss this matter with your eye doctor.

What Foods Should I Avoid If I Have Glaucoma?

Multiple studies have shown that various foods have specific effects on the body. For people with health conditions like glaucoma, it is beneficial to know what these effects may be, especially as they relate to the eyes. Some foods that can affect eye health include:

Trans-fatty acids. These are commonly found in packaged foods like cookies, and also in fried foods. Trans-fatty acids can increase cholesterol levels, which can then damage blood vessels. There are many small blood vessels in the eyes that are involved in feeding the optic nerve.
Foods that cause allergies, such as soy, dairy, wheat, and corn.
Saturated fats, which may be found in fatty cuts of red meat, may worsen glaucoma.
Coffee. People with glaucoma or other forms of elevated intraocular pressure should limit their intake of coffee. This beverage has been associated with increased pressure in the eyes.
Complex carbohydrates. Examples include cereal, rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes. These foods can increase insulin levels, which can cause weight gain and damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes.

What Happens If Glaucoma Goes Untreated?

The eye disease of glaucoma can be very problematic to your vision, and it is a major cause of blindness in the world. Glaucoma must be taken seriously.

Who’s At Risk for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can impact anyone or any family. All people should be concerned about the glaucoma disease and the potential harm it could cause someone’s life. Because this eye disease is also known as the sneak thief of sight we must remind each other, especially our elders, to get regular eye examinations. Early detection could save your vision.

People at greater risk for glaucoma:

People of African-American descent
Adults over the age of 50 years
Those with a significant family history of glaucoma
People who have diabetes
Nearsighted patients
People with high intraocular pressure
Those with Asthma (Corticosteroids inhaled to treat asthma have been reported to raise intraocular pressure)
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that people with other risk factors for glaucoma have their eyes examined.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

If you have glaucoma and would like to discuss alternative and modern glaucoma treatment options our doctors are readily available for discussion. If you are concerned that serious damage is occurring from glaucoma do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Our treatment options include:

Non-Invasive Glaucoma Treatments

Once you have been diagnosed with glaucoma you will need to make simple lifestyle changes in order to manage your disease. If you have been diagnosed at an early point the eye doctor will then make a suggested treatment protocol based on taking medication to control intraocular pressure. Once the treatment protocol for medications is administered patients can typically return to a normal life. Taking medication will be critical or the disease can progress. Glaucoma patients typically struggle with integrating all of the medicating times into one day. Successful patients often try to take the medicine or drops at times such as waking up, before bed, or during meals and snacks

Glaucoma Laser Treatment

At Georgina Eye Clinic, we have doctors that specialize in glaucoma treatment as well as uveitis, an eye condition related to inflammation in the eye. Our doctors are skilled with many of the glaucoma lasers needed for the treatment of narrow and open-angle glaucoma.

Glaucoma Surgery

Glaucoma surgery is also an option. We have experience performing glaucoma surgeries, including shunts and filters, for the treatment of moderate to severe glaucoma.

Are Glaucoma Treatment Results Permanent?

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve. Early treatment is critical because, once the optic nerve is damaged, the repair is not possible. In some cases, medications are prescribed to reduce and manage intraocular pressure. This can slow the progression of damage to the optic nerve or halt it for some time. It is important to understand that there is no cure for glaucoma. Surgery is often necessary to achieve long-term results. However, surgery is also not a permanent solution. Because glaucoma is often a symptom of poor fluid drainage from the eye, the condition will continue to some extent after surgery.

Is Glaucoma Painful?

The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, usually does not involve painful symptoms. This is why the condition can be so difficult to catch early if routine eye exams are not performed. In open-angle glaucoma, eye pressure typically increases quite slowly. It is believed that this contributes to the painlessness of the condition. The first indication of this form of glaucoma is usually some degree of vision loss.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is different. This condition may occur as a type of glaucoma attack in which eye pressure increases rapidly and severely. An acute angle-closure glaucoma attack may involve severe pain that triggers nausea or vomiting. Patients may also notice decreased vision due to the effect this attack has on the cornea. Acute angle-closure glaucoma attack is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

How Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?

It may not be possible to completely prevent glaucoma. However, steps may be taken to increase the chances of detecting glaucoma early so vision can be preserved.

Regular dilated eye exams– It is not enough to undergo basic vision screenings each year. A full, dilated eye exam should be done every five to 10 years for adults under 40 years of age. Adults aged 40 to 54 should have this exam every two to four years. Older adults and those with a higher risk of glaucoma may be advised to have dilated exams more frequently.
Know your family history of eye disease– Because glaucoma may be passed down through generations, it is beneficial to know if this condition runs in your family. This would indicate the value of more frequent dilated eye exams.
Eye protection– Eye injuries can increase the risk of glaucoma. Wearing protective eye gear when working outdoors or playing sports is recommended.
Exercise regularly and safely– Moderate exercise is good for the eyes and may help reduce intraocular pressure. However, if you have glaucoma, your doctor may advise you to avoid certain exercises that would increase eye pressure, such as handstands or headstands.
Use prescribed eye drops as directed– If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma but are not exhibiting symptoms, you still need to use your prescribed eye drops as directed. This can help slow the progression of the disease.

Is Glaucoma Treatment Covered By Insurance?

Yes. Glaucoma is an eye disease that is typically covered under a person’s medical insurance plan.

Schedule A Consultation

If you suspect that you might have glaucoma or have been previously diagnosed as a glaucoma patient please contact our office immediately to consult with our staff or surgeons.

If you want immediate attention please call our office at 0755 347258 or fill out our contact us form for an appointment.

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