Eye Diseases That Can Steal Your Sight, What Are the Symptoms?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent blindness if not treated properly. This disease results from damage to the optic nerve, often caused by increased intraocular pressure (pressure within the eyeball). Known as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma often develops without clear symptoms until significant damage has occurred. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of glaucoma, including its causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve. This nerve plays a vital role in transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage is often due to increased intraocular pressure, though glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness.

While high intraocular pressure is a major risk factor, the exact mechanisms are often more complex. Some common causes and risk factors include:

1. Imbalance in Fluid Production and Drainage
   The eye contains a fluid called aqueous humor, which nourishes the eye and maintains pressure. When too much fluid is produced or drainage is impaired, intraocular pressure increases.

2. Genetics
   A family history of glaucoma significantly raises the risk of developing the condition.

3. Age
   The risk of glaucoma increases with age, particularly after 40.

4. Systemic Diseases
   Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease can elevate the risk of glaucoma.

5. Eye Trauma
   Injuries or infections can disrupt the eye's drainage system, leading to glaucoma.

6. Prolonged Steroid Use
   Long-term use of steroids, whether as eye drops, tablets, or injections, can increase intraocular pressure.

Types of Glaucoma

1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
   This is the most common type. It occurs when the eye's drainage canals gradually become less efficient, causing a slow increase in intraocular pressure. This type typically has no early symptoms and may go unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma
   This type develops when the eye's drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked, leading to a rapid increase in intraocular pressure. Symptoms include severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision.

3. Congenital Glaucoma
   A rare form present at birth, caused by developmental abnormalities in the eye's drainage system. Symptoms include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and enlarged corneas.

4. Secondary Glaucoma
   This type is caused by other conditions, such as eye inflammation (uveitis), tumors, trauma, or certain medications.

 

Symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma:

1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

   • Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision.
   • Blurred vision, especially in advanced stages.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

   • Severe eye pain.
   • Seeing halos around lights.
   • Eye redness.
   • Nausea and vomiting.

3. Congenital Glaucoma

   • Enlarged eyes.
   • Sensitivity to light.
   • Excessive tearing.

Since early-stage glaucoma often lacks noticeable symptoms, many cases are detected only after irreversible vision loss has occurred.

Glaucoma diagnosis involves several tests conducted by an eye specialist, such as:

1. Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry)
   This test measures the pressure inside the eye to detect abnormalities.

2. Optic Nerve Examination (Ophthalmoscopy)
   The optic nerve is examined for signs of damage.

3. Visual Field Test (Perimetry)
   This test evaluates peripheral vision, which is often affected first by glaucoma.

4. Gonioscopy
   A test to examine the angle between the iris and cornea, which helps classify the type of glaucoma.

5. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
   Imaging technology used to visualize the optic nerve and surrounding tissues.

 

The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. Treatment options include:

1. Eye Drops
   Medications in the form of eye drops reduce fluid production or improve fluid drainage in the eye. Common types include prostaglandins, beta-blockers, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

2. Oral Medications
   Used when eye drops are insufficient to control eye pressure.

3. Laser Therapy

   • Trabeculoplasty: Enhances fluid drainage through the eye's drainage canals.
   • Iridotomy: Creates a small hole in the iris to improve fluid flow.

4. Surgery

   • Trabeculectomy: A surgical procedure to create a new drainage pathway.
   • Drainage Implants: Devices are inserted to help drain excess fluid.

While not all cases of glaucoma can be prevented, the following measures can help reduce the risk:

1. Regular Eye Exams
   Early detection is key to preventing vision loss. People at high risk should have their eyes checked every 1–2 years.

2. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
   A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can contribute to overall eye health.

3. Protect Your Eyes
   Use protective eyewear during activities that pose a risk of eye injury.

4. Manage Systemic Conditions
   Control conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure to reduce the risk of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition, but early detection and proper treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Regular eye exams, especially for those at high risk, are essential for maintaining eye health. If you experience any symptoms or have risk factors, consult an eye specialist promptly.For eye consultations at Hermina Hospital, Purwokerto, there are eye specialist doctors that Hermina Friends can consult with.

Access to registration can be done in the following 4 ways:
1. Download the mobile application on Playstore (Type Hello Hermina)
2. Call Call Center 1500488
3. Via website -> www.herminahospitals.com
4. Via the Mobile JKN application

Reference :

1. World Health Organization (WHO) "Blindness and Vision Impairment Prevention.":https://www.who.int
2. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) "What Is Glaucoma?":https://www.aao.org
3. National Eye Institute (NEI) "Facts About Glaucoma.":https://www.nei.nih.gov
4. Mayo Clinic "Glaucoma: Symptoms and Causes.":https://www.mayoclinic.org
5. Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) "Understanding and Treating Glaucoma.":https://www.glaucoma.org
6. American Optometric Association (AOA) "Glaucoma: Diagnosis and Treatment.": https://www.aoa.org