Glaucoma
What is Open-Angle Glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. It’s a chronic eye condition where the optic nerve (which sends visual information to the brain) becomes damaged, often due to increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). This damage happens gradually and can lead to vision loss if not treated.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Increased eye pressure (IOP) due to slow drainage of fluid (aqueous humor) from the eye
- Age – more common after age 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- African, Hispanic, or Asian descent
- Medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or nearsightedness
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
Diagnosis
Open-angle glaucoma is often called a “silent thief of sight” because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. Regular eye exams are key.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Tonometry – measures eye pressure
- Ophthalmoscopy – examines the optic nerve
- Visual field test – checks for blind spots
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – images the optic nerve for damage
Management and Treatment
While open-angle glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed to prevent or slow down vision loss.
Treatment options include:
- Eye drops – to reduce eye pressure
- Oral medications – sometimes used in addition to drops
- Laser therapy (e.g., SLT) – to improve fluid drainage
- Surgery – in more advanced or unresponsive cases
Key Takeaways
- Glaucoma often has no early symptoms – routine eye exams are essential.
- Early detection and consistent treatment can preserve vision.
- Follow your treatment plan and attend regular check-ups with your eye doctor.
What is Angle-closure glaucoma?
Angle-closure glaucoma is a type of glaucoma where the drainage angle in the eye suddenly becomes blocked. This prevents fluid (called aqueous humor) from draining properly, leading to a rapid increase in eye pressure. If not treated quickly, it can cause permanent vision loss.
Causes
This condition often occurs in people with naturally narrow drainage angles. It can be triggered by:
- Dim lighting (which causes the pupil to dilate)
- Stress or certain medications
- Age-related changes in the eye
Some people are more at risk, including those who:
- Are over 40 years old
- Are farsighted (difficulty seeing up close)
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Are of Asian or Inuit descent
Symptoms
Angle-closure glaucoma can come on suddenly. Symptoms may include:
- Severe eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seeing halos around lights This is considered an emergency — seek medical care immediately if these occur.
Diagnosis
An eye doctor can diagnose angle-closure glaucoma with:
- A detailed eye exam
- Measuring eye pressure (tonometry)
- Looking at the drainage angle (gonioscopy)
- Checking the optic nerve and visual field
Management and Treatment:
Immediate treatment is crucial. Options may include:
- Eye drops and medications to lower eye pressure quickly
- Laser treatment (laser peripheral iridotomy) to create a small opening in the iris and improve fluid drainage
- Surgery in some cases to help prevent future attacks
Follow-Up Care
Even after treatment, regular eye exams are essential to monitor your eye pressure and prevent further issues.