Glaucoma – The Silent Condition That Can Lead to Blindness If Left Untreated

Vision is one of our basic senses; without it, we can hardly do anything. Currently, however, all age groups are prone to eye conditions, which can lead to the onset of quite serious diseases. For this purpose, we must take care of our eye health and go for regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist to prevent problems.

One of the most dangerous vision disorders is glaucoma. It is, in fact, a cluster of conditions that, left untreated, lead to damage of the optic nerve. Its most severe consequence can be vision loss. Fortunately, today, access to modern treatments can slow its progression, even when it sets in.

What is glaucoma, what are its symptoms, and how can it be treated? These are just a few of the questions that will find their answers in the lines below. In addition to these, we will also present other useful information related to the types and prevention methods of this silent condition.

Glaucoma – what we need to know about it

Vision disorders are increasingly common nowadays. One of the main culprits are the screens of computers and phones, which we stare at for hours. Because of this, we suffer from various eye problems, the accumulation of which leads to the onset of glaucoma.

Preventing the onset of glaucoma depends on eye health. This can be maintained with the help of correct behavior and hygiene, as well as a careful diet, rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, B2, C, and E. For this purpose, we can consume various supplements that provide us with the necessary intake of these.

Among the supplements that contribute to ocular health is Premium Krill Oil 500mg. These contain Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which support the proper functioning of the eyes, as well as the brain and heart. The formula also contains astaxanthin, one of the most powerful antioxidants, which maintain cell health.

[cta_produs style=”style_1″ product=”212512″ image=”https://aronia-charlottenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.-Glaucom-ce-trebuie-sa-stim-despre-el.jpg”]

Returning to Omega 3 DHA, it plays a very important role in the health of the retina, the part of the eye where images are formed. Its consumption can help reduce certain conditions such as hyperopia and myopia. Given that these two disorders can be responsible for the onset of glaucoma, krill oil supplements can be used preventatively.

What is glaucoma?

Many people have heard of glaucoma and wonder what it is. It is not a disease in itself, as it occurs on the background of other conditions. More precisely, it is good to know that:

• glaucoma is the result of a group of eye problems that develop over time;
• it causes intraocular pressure, which mainly affects the optic nerve, creating lesions on it;
• occurring in older people, it can even lead to blindness;
• there are several types of glaucoma;
• glaucoma cannot be cured, only managed;
• because we do not feel the increase in intraocular pressure, it is a silent disease that progresses over time without proper monitoring.

Glaucoma occurs in both eyes, but intraocular pressure usually manifests in only one. But what can be the causes of this disorder? They can be multiple, just as the risk factors are multiple.

Causes of glaucoma

The main cause of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure. However, there are several risk factors that can favor its onset. These depend on several aspects, including the type of glaucoma a person suffers from.

How glaucoma occurs

To understand how glaucoma occurs, we need to know how our vision works. Thus, in the front part of the eye is the aqueous humor, which flows through the pupil. From there it reaches the drainage system and the trabecular and canal networks. Intraocular pressure occurs when there are imbalances between the amount of aqueous humor produced by the eye and that which is drained. Correct drainage means normal tension, with a maximum value of 21 mmHg.

When glaucoma sets in, the drainage system gets blocked, and the humor can no longer drain. Thus, the fluid builds up in the eye, leading to increased intraocular pressure. This results in the destruction of nerve fibers and emptying of the optic disc, followed by vision loss in the final stage. All this can be avoided, however, with the help of routine check-ups or managing existing conditions. The latter are often responsible for the onset of the disease.

Causes of glaucoma

In addition to intraocular pressure, there are other causes that can favor the onset of glaucoma. Most often, these are:

• age; people over 60 are more prone to glaucoma;
• heredity; glaucoma is a transmissible condition;
• various eye diseases, such as hyperopia and myopia;
• other diseases, including arterial hypertension and diabetes;
• eye trauma, as well as some surgical interventions can result in glaucoma.

In addition, it has also been found that prolonged use of corticosteroid medications for eye conditions can lead to glaucoma. Although it is a silent disease, there are still certain symptoms that should lead us to a doctor.

Glaucoma and its symptoms

Photo by Marcus Aurelius on Pexels

What are the symptoms of glaucoma? They are either very subtle, or they start to manifest when the disease is already in an advanced stage. In the latter scenario, visual acuity decreases significantly, and the visual field also narrows. What does all this mean? Here are the main manifestations:

• blurred vision;
• redness of the eyes;
• headaches or very strong migraines;
• eye pain;
• seeing spots or as if looking through a tube or tunnel;
• seeing halos when looking at light sources or when focusing on an object;
• nausea and vomiting.

Among these, the early symptoms of glaucoma are seeing spots, and eye and head pain. However, depending on its type and degree, it can manifest in other ways.

Ocular glaucoma has a slow progression, which makes it detectable and treatable when detected in time. For this purpose, it is good to go for regular specialist check-ups. Left untreated, however, it will lead to vision loss. Until then, it will go through several stages, depending on its type.

Glaucoma – types and stages

Glaucoma has several types and also a few stages. Because it has a slow progression, it is considered a silent disease, often discovered when it is advanced. Therefore, an ophthalmological consultation at least once a year is the best prevention method. Thus, it can be detected and intervened in time to slow its progression.

Main types of eye glaucoma

Glaucoma can be of two types according to the way it sets in. We can suffer from:

• primary glaucoma, when it occurs independently of other eye disorders;
• secondary glaucoma, when it is correlated with other vision problems or occurs after the use of corticosteroid medications.

From the perspective of how drainage occurs, it can be:

• open-angle, when it occurs due to increased intraocular pressure;
• closed-angle, when the iris no longer allows the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye, forming an angle with the cornea.

Secondary glaucoma can also be of other types, such as neovascular, pigmentary, exfoliative, and inflammatory. Sometimes, it can also occur on the background of conditions such as cataracts or after surgical interventions.

Congenital glaucoma

Hereditary or inherited glaucoma has several peculiarities, including the fact that it manifests immediately. Its symptoms may include:

• unusual size of the eyes;
• excessive tearing;
• sensitivity to light.

In the case of expectant mothers who suffer from this disease, it should be known that intraocular pressure decreases, so careful monitoring of glaucoma during pregnancy is necessary. Also, medication must be adapted, as left untreated, it can lead to congenital toxoplasmosis, which can be transmitted to the fetus.

In newborns, given the size of the eyes, it can be detected immediately, and surgical intervention can slow its progression. Usually, people with congenital glaucoma do not lose their vision precisely because of this peculiarity that makes it immediately detectable. In other cases, it can go through several stages.

Stages of glaucoma

Glaucoma is most often detected in advanced stages, when the patient presents to the doctor with obvious symptoms. Its early phases are also accompanied by certain signs.

Thus, in the early stages of glaucoma, the following symptoms may be experienced:

• headaches and eye pain of increased intensity;
• seeing spots and circles when looking directly at light;
• redness of the eyes.

In more advanced stages, eye pain and migraines may intensify, which is the sign that will send a person to the doctor. In the most severe phase, tunnel vision and visual field loss are the main manifesting symptoms.

Glaucoma – diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya on Pexels

Because the symptoms of the disease can appear quite late, the ophthalmologist’s intervention is essential. Several investigations can be performed to detect the disease. Treatment can also take several forms. To slow its progression, various preventive measures can be taken, which may include a proper diet.

Glaucoma diagnosis

Some of the most frequently asked questions to the ophthalmologist about eye glaucoma are:

• at what age does glaucoma appear?
• is glaucoma treated?
• is glaucoma cured?
• is glaucoma operated on?

Diagnosis can be made from the first days of life, so it can occur at any age. Although it is treated, glaucoma is not cured, but only managed. Here are the investigations done to make the diagnosis:

• tonometry or measurement of intraocular pressure;
• gonioscopy or measurement of the degree of opening of the iridocorneal angle;
• pachymetry or measurement of corneal thickness;
• visualization of the optic nerve through fundus examination;
• computerized perimetry to measure the visual field;
• optic nerve tomography.

The last two investigations are performed regularly in patients diagnosed with eye glaucoma.

How glaucoma is treated

Glaucoma is treated by several methods adapted to its stage. These may include:

• administration of ophthalmic solutions or drops based on prostaglandins, beta-blockers, and alpha-adrenergic antagonists;
• use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors;
• conventional or laser surgery to correct drainage dysfunction and even reconstruct the drainage canal.

Laser interventions can be of several types, among the most performed being iridotomy, trabeculoplasty, and peripheral iridoplasty.

Glaucoma prevention

Glaucoma prophylaxis consists of several measures that can be taken, among the recommended ones being:

• once the diagnosis is made, strictly follow the treatment, without stopping it if you feel better and without resorting to self-medication;
• regular exercise and/or physical activity;
• avoiding stress, when possible;
• rest from screens, to relax the eyes;
• a balanced diet, especially when ocular glaucoma occurs on the background of conditions such as diabetes.

Diet is one of the important factors in controlling ocular glaucoma. For this purpose, the consumption of certain foods and alcoholic beverages is prohibited.

Foods and drinks forbidden with glaucoma

Diseases such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, and obesity are some of the causes of eye glaucoma. They can be controlled by prohibiting the consumption of certain foods, including:

• trans fatty acids, such as hydrogenated oils (palm oil) and fried foods;
• saturated fats found in oils, red meat, and lard;
• simple carbohydrates, such as those in bread, rice, potatoes, and pastries;
• various food allergens such as cereals, dairy, and soy.

In terms of forbidden drinks, alcoholic beverages and coffee are among the most harmful when suffering from glaucoma.

In conclusion, an ophthalmologist’s visit is essential for correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. This can take several forms, the most commonly used being the administration of eye drops. Also, diet is very important in managing glaucoma, which, although a silent disease, can be controlled if the necessary attention is paid.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/understanding-glaucoma-treatment#1

https://nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma/types-glaucoma

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4212-glaucoma

Photo by Ion Fet on Unsplash