GLAUCOMA

 

🧿 What is glaucoma?

 

Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by an abnormal increase in intraocular pressure, which gradually damages the optic nerve responsible for sending images to the brain. Without treatment, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss.

 

🚨 What are the symptoms?

 

Glaucoma often develops silently, without symptoms at first. In advanced stages, signs may include:

  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision

  • Eye pain

  • Blurred vision

  • Colored halos around lights

🧬 Types of glaucoma:

 

  1. Open-angle glaucoma – most common, progresses slowly

  2. Angle-closure glaucoma – less common, more painful and sudden

  3. Congenital glaucoma – present at birth

  4. Secondary glaucoma – caused by other diseases or medications (especially corticosteroids)

🧪 Diagnosis:

 

  • Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry)

  • Optic nerve examination (fundoscopy)

  • Visual field test

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

💊 Treatment:

 

Glaucoma can’t be cured, but progression can be slowed:

  • Eye drops to reduce pressure

  • Laser treatment

  • Surgery in resistant cases

👁️ Prevention:

 

  • Regular eye exams after age 40

  • Increased monitoring if there is a family history

  • Avoid self-medicating with corticosteroids