Understanding Glaucoma and know about Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Posted by 3meds on December 21st, 2020

Introduction

Sight is a precious gift, and its value is known by those who are no longer able to see. For them, life becomes a dark void with no light at the end of the tunnel. Be safe from Glaucoma. If you feel their symptoms Then consult an eye specialist

Diabetes is a degenerative disease that degrades the overall health condition of the body over time and profoundly impacts the quality of life.

One of the first and the worst affected organs due to diabetes are the eyes. Doctors advise patients with diabetes to get their eyes checked at regular intervals to assess the quality of vision.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerves impairing normal vision. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people suffering from diabetes, especially in the elderly.

Detection of glaucoma at early stages can help treat the ailment with prescription medicines; however, detection at the advanced stage may require surgical intervention, but that too cannot guarantee 100% vision retention.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of the ailment. Symptoms may include:

1) Open-angle glaucoma:

a) Patchy blind spots

b) Tunnel vision

2) Acute angle-closure glaucoma

a) Headache (in the eyebrow region)

b) Pain in the eyes

c) Nausea

d) Blurred vision

e) Halos

What are the Causes of Glaucoma?

The aqueous humor (fluid in the eyes) flows out from the eyes through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the point of intersection between the iris and cornea.

Any disruption in this mesh network can cause fluid buildup in the eyes that impedes vision in the longer run. The blockage in the mesh may be inherited, that is, glaucoma can be passed from one generation to the next. Diabetes is one of the primary causes of glaucoma; however, it has been caused by other factors, such as eye injuries and infections.

How can Glaucoma be Diagnosed?

Once the symptoms of glaucoma have been established, doctors may recommend the following diagnostic processes:

1)   Measurement intraocular pressure (tonometry)

2)   Checking for any damages to the optic nerves by conducting eye examinations and imaging tests

3)   Checking for any loss in vision (visual field test)

4)   Measurement of corneal thickness (pachymetry)

5)   Inspection of the drainage angle (gonioscopy)

Can Glaucoma be Treated?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent treatment for glaucoma. In case glaucoma is detected at an early stage of development, its growth can be prevented or arrested with the help of over-the-counter prescription medicines or by surgical intervention.

Somebody cannot reverse the damaging effects of glaucoma. however, the ailment's progression and an impending vision loss can be slowed down by regular checkups and treatment.

Treatment of a patient with glaucoma is done by managing eye pressure (intraocular pressure). The treatment regimen might include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, and surgical interventions.

How can Glaucoma be Prevented?

Detection of glaucoma at an early stage is the best way of preventing a future complication. Diabetes patients, especially those with advanced age, are always advised by the doctors to get their eyes checked every quarter or at least every six months. Some common precautions that can be taken to avoid glaucoma in the future are:

1)   Regular eye checkup

2)   Sharing family health history with doctors

3)   Including more amount of leafy green and carotene-rich food in the diet

4)   Avoid watching TV or looking at a computer screen for long durations

5)   Exercising daily

6)   Putting less strain on eyes

7)   Taking prescription eye drops regularly 

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a degenerative disorder of the eye that gets worse with time, affecting the general quality of life. Early detection of glaucoma can help in arresting the progression of the ailment. It can also help in preventing the ailment in the first place.