Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma typically develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This eye disease damages the optic nerve, which is essential for transmitting visual information from your eye to your brain. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss and even blindness.

To understand glaucoma, it helps to picture the eye's drainage system. A fluid called aqueous humour constantly circulates within the eye, nourishing tissues and maintaining a healthy pressure. In glaucoma, this drainage system malfunctions.

The fluid builds up, increasing pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). This elevated pressure damages the optic nerve over time, leading to vision problems.

With Mr. Ian Ambrose's expert glaucoma care in the Winchester and Basingstoke area, you can take control of your glaucoma and look forward to a brighter future.

Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often symptomless in its early stages. As the disease progresses, you may notice:

Loss of peripheral vision

This is often the first sign, where you lose your ability to see things at the edges of your vision.

Halos around lights

You may see rainbow-coloured rings around lights.

Sudden vision loss

In some cases, glaucoma can have a sudden onset, causing severe eye pain, redness, headache, and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:

Age: Your risk increases significantly after age 60.
Family history: Having a family member with glaucoma makes you more susceptible.
Ethnicity: People of African, Caribbean, or Asian descent have a higher risk.
Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraines can increase your risk.
Eye injuries: Previous eye injuries can make you more prone to glaucoma.
Corticosteroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroids, especially eye drops, can increase your risk.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

While vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, treatment can help slow or prevent further damage. Treatment options include:

Eye drops: These are often the first line of treatment and work by reducing fluid production in the eye or improving drainage.
Laser treatment: Laser trabeculoplasty improves fluid drainage.
Surgery: Surgical procedures create new drainage channels for the fluid.

Living with Glaucoma

With early diagnosis and proper management, most people with glaucoma can maintain a good quality of life. Here are some tips:

Adhere to your treatment plan: Use your eye drops as prescribed and attend all follow-up appointments.
Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV damage and safety glasses during activities that could cause eye injury.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress.
Stay informed: Learn as much as you can about glaucoma and its management.

If you are worried that you may be developing glaucoma, book an appointment with Mr Ian Ambrose today!