Glaucoma
Monday, August 11th, 2008Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 40 years of age. Almost all blindness caused by glaucoma can be prevented if it is discovered early enough. Glaucoma occurs when the pressure of the fluids within the eye gets too high.
There are two types of glaucoma: chronic open angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Glaucoma can’t be cured, but in most cases it responds well to treatment.
Who is at Risk?
You are at greater risk of having glaucoma if you:
* Are over 40 years of age
* Have relatives with glaucoma
* Have diabetes
* Are shortsighted
* Get migraines.
Chronic open-angle glaucoma
* The most common type of glaucoma
* Occurs slowly with few symptoms and can go unnoticed for years
* Occurs when the pressure rises slowly because the canals that drain the fluid away don’t work properly
* Normally affects both eyes
* Causes a gradual loss of sight
* Is usually treated with eye drops and/or tablets, which must be used every day as your doctor advises
* If medicines don’t work you may require eye surgery
* Laser treatment of the eye may be used
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
* Much less common than open-angle glaucoma
* Occurs acutely causing severe pain, blurred sight, coloured rings around lights, nausea and even vomiting
* Occurs when the drainage canal becomes completely blocked without warning
* Normally affects only one eye at a time
* Can cause blindness if not treated straight away
* Needs surgery or laser treatment urgently
Secondary glaucoma
* Is caused by other conditions such as injuries or inflammation.
Symptoms
Most people have no symptoms - changes in sight are gradual and may not be noticed. These changes can include:
