A Guide to Glaucoma and Subsequent Vision Loss
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, or, the nerve that links the eye and brain. Possibly resulting in blindness if left untreated, the optic nerve is often damaged due to increased eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP).
Why Does Glaucoma Occur?
While glaucoma causes can vary, increased intraocular pressure is often the underlying source. The most common type being Open-angle Glaucoma, this is when the eye’s drainage angle is slow to drain fluid, increasing eye pressure. The following are examples of additional contributing factors:
- Types of medical issues, like diabetes
- Races with higher risk for the condition like African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
- Genetics
- Age
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma commonly begins with little to no symptoms, developing slowly and without noticeable pain. Over time, however, symptoms may include:
- Changes in vision – Blurriness, tunnel vision, or progressive loss of peripheral vision.
- Light sensitivity – Challenges adjusting to light or seeing light halos.
- Eye pain – In some less common but more serious cases, discomfort or pain in the eye can occur.
Glaucoma Types and Causes
While we have already reviewed Open-angle Glaucoma, there are several other types of Glaucoma with different causes, including:
- Normal-tension Glaucoma: This type of Glaucoma damages the optic nerve even with normal eye pressure levels.
- Angle-closure Glaucoma: A more serious type of Glaucoma, although not as common, where the eye pressure increases suddenly due to a drainage angle blockage.
- Congenital Glaucoma: This form of Glaucoma occurs due to underdevelopment of the eye drainage function at birth.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Secondary Glaucoma results from certain medical factors or eye issues.
Glaucoma Complications
Can Blindness Result from Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can cause blindness if managed ineffectively or left untreated. Vision loss that occurs as a result of Glaucoma is often permanent, and any optic nerve damage is irreparable.
Blindness Risk from Glaucoma Surgery
While the aim of Glaucoma surgery is to retain vision and slow or stop progression of the disease, it can inadvertently cause temporary or permanent changes or damage to vision. While surgery can prove an effective treatment for Glaucoma, it’s important to note the risks involved.
Glaucoma Treatment
As for Glaucoma treatment options, there are several with the goal to halt any further optic nerve damage and lower intraocular pressure. Options include:
- Oral medications for lowering intraocular pressure
- Pressure reducing, drainage increasing eye drops
- The surgical implantation of drainage channels (trabeculectomy)
- Laser therapy
Vision Rehabilitation
When Glaucoma results in vision loss, there are options. Vision Rehabilitation programs can help increase independence, safety, and overall quality of life after visual impairment from Glaucoma.