February 7, 2025

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve present in the eye. If not treated, the condition worsens over time, increasing the pressure built up in the eye. It can lead to vision loss or complete blindness. The term glaucoma is commonly used as an umbrella term for several eye diseases that occur due to the pressure that is built up inside the eyeball. These diseases are highly progressive, making glaucoma the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. There are several reasons why this condition might occur. However, the majority of them are easily treatable. Knowing about the types and symptoms of glaucoma can help in early intervention, thereby preventing vision loss.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, however they come under certain specific categories. Let’s understand these categories, their specific characteristics and symptoms.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Out of the many types of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma is the most common type found worldwide. In this condition, the drainage angle of the eye appears to be open and functioning normally. However, due to some underlying fluid drainage issues, there is a rise in the pressure building within the eye. This pressure affects the optic nerve, leading to potential vision loss. Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure are at a greater risk for open-angle glaucoma.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

In this type of condition, the outer corner of the iris blocks the aqueous humour fluid from draining causing increase in the eye pressure. This can cause severe eye pain, redness and even sudden blurry vision. If left untreated it can cause blindness in a matter of days. One of the major treatments used in such cases is the laser treatment that helps in fluid drain.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Normal-tension glaucoma is a kind of open-angle glaucoma that occurs when the optic nerve is damaged even after having normal eye pressure. It’s also commonly known as normal pressure glaucoma.

Congenital Glaucoma

Children having abnormal eye development right from the time of birth tend to have primary congenital glaucoma. The signs are highly visible right from the beginning. Such kids are sensitive to light, make more tears and sometimes have eyes larger than normal. Early surgery helps treat such condition preventing any permanent damage to vision. Any glaucoma that occurs to children is known as pediatric glaucoma.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma occurs when there are other underlying medical conditions that cause the increase in eye pressure. Some of the common conditions that could cause secondary glaucoma include eye injuries, cataracts, eye tumours, etc. Such conditions can be chronic or acute. It can also occur because of certain medications.

Glaucoma Symptoms

In most cases, symptoms of glaucoma go unnoticed in the early stages. They often occur when the condition has reached an irreversible point. Nevertheless, some of the common symptoms of glaucoma include:

• Peripheral vision loss
• Eye pain
• Halos around lights
• Redness in the eye
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Double vision 

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when damage is caused to the optic nerve of the eye. This nerve is responsible for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. As the nerve condition worsens, people tend to see blind spots in their vision. Although the damage often occurs due to high eye pressure, this condition can also occur under normal eye conditions. One of the main reasons for the increase in eye pressure is the production of excess aqueous humour fluid or an issue with the drainage system of the eye. Additionally, there is no specific age range in which glaucoma can occur. It is more common in adults over 60 than in younger adults.

A few of the other factors that can cause glaucoma are as follows-

• Trauma to the eye: This can occur in case of any eye injury, such as an accident that has caused major hurt to the eyes or any major eye surgery, such as a laser treatment that you might have undergone recently. These injuries have the potential to scar the eye’s draining system to the point where the eye can no longer handle the amount of fluid production taking place.
• Diseases: Specific diseases that affect the entire body can have secondary effects on the eye. Autoimmune illnesses that tend to cause bodily inflammations may include the eye as well. In such cases there is a high chance that the inflammation can lead to the clogging of the eye’s drainage system consequently causing the eye pressure to build up.
• Health factors: Health conditions such high blood pressure or diabetes may not cause glaucoma directly, however if they increase at an uncontrollable level it could lead to the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the eye affecting the eye’s draining system. Signs such as redness in the eye, reduced vision, and headache are often found in these conditions. Earlier diagnosis can help prevent major problems like vision loss or complete blindness. 

Conclusion

The gift of sight is one of the most important senses to most people worldwide. The possibility of having to live without it is itself a frightful thought. Fortunately, with the advancements in technology and science, glaucoma can be detected at an early stage through specific tests and procedures. Early diagnosis and interventions can prevent the condition from worsening, thereby saving you from complete blindness. It is advisable for adults above the age of 40 to get a thorough eye check-up to look for any signs of early-stage glaucoma and take necessary steps to prevent its progression.

FAQs

Who is at risk for developing glaucom

Individuals over the age of 40 or having a family history of glaucoma are at a higher risk of developing it. Other health conditions like diabetes and high blood sugar levels also put you at a risk of developing glaucoma.

Does glaucoma affect “all” of your vision?

The peripheral vision gets affected first, however, if not treated effectively it could lead to tunnel vision. As the condition progresses, it can cause partial or complete vision loss

Is there a cure for glaucoma?

A. Although there are several forms of treatments used to treat glaucoma, there isn’t a set cure that can undo the damage it causes to your vision. Doctors use treatments like surgery, laser treatment and medications to help slow vision loss.