Glaucoma: An Eye Condition with Worldwide Impact

Maintaining good eye health is essential for overall well-being and quality of life, and early detection and treatment of such problems can help prevent serious complications. By eating healthy and ensuring you purchase good sunglasses online in Sri Lanka to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, you can ensure that you maintain good eye health. Vision is one of our most important senses; our eyes allow us to see the world around us, appreciate its beauty, and perform everyday tasks such as reading, driving, and using electronic devices. Eye diseases can be common and serious; Certain diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration can lead to significant vision loss and even blindness if not detected and treated early, and those that suffer these types of diseases may need to get contact lenses online or spectacles online in Sri Lanka, in order to see better, and not have any disruptions to their day to day lives

Eye health is linked to overall health. Many systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune disorders can affect your vision, and an examination can sometimes detect these conditions before they become symptomatic.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. This damage can lead to vision loss and even blindness if it is not detected and treated early. It is usually caused by an increase in the pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. However, there are also forms of this disease that can occur even when the pressure is within the normal range. The exact cause of it is not fully understood, but some factors that may increase the risk of developing it may include age, family history, certain medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and prolonged use of certain medications like steroids.

There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common type is called primary open-angle glaucoma. This type usually develops gradually and painlessly and may not be noticeable until vision loss has already occurred. It is often detected during a routine exam by a doctor.

Symptoms of Glaucoma and how is it detected?

In the early stages, there may not be any noticeable symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, some common signs and symptoms of glaucoma may include:

●      Gradual loss of peripheral vision: The loss of side or peripheral vision is often the first sign of this disease.

●      Tunnel vision: As the disease progresses, the visual field may become more constricted, leading to tunnel vision.

●      Blurred vision: In some cases, vision may become blurred or cloudy.

●      Halos around lights: Some people with glaucoma may experience halos around lights, especially at night.

●      Pain or redness: Acute angle-closure glaucoma, a less common but more serious form of it, can cause sudden pain, redness, and vision loss.

To detect glaucoma, it is important to have regular comprehensive exams, including tonometry to measure the pressure inside the eye, a dilated eye exam to examine the optic nerve, and visual field testing to check for any peripheral vision loss. Your doctor may also use imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) to get a detailed view of the optic nerve and measure its thickness. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent permanent vision loss.

What can be done about it?

The treatment for glaucoma depends on the type and severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve the remaining vision. Some common treatment options include:

●      Drops: Prescription drops can lower the pressure inside the eye, which is usually the main goal of treatment.

●      Laser therapy: Laser trabeculoplasty and other laser procedures can be used to improve the flow of fluid out of the eye, thereby lowering pressure.

●      Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to create a new drainage channel for fluid to leave the eye, or to implant a tiny tube to help drain fluid.

●      Medications: Oral medications can also be used to lower pressure levels in certain types of glaucoma.

●      Lifestyle changes: In addition to medical treatments, making certain lifestyle changes can also help manage it. This can include maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, avoiding smoking, and protecting your eyes from injury.

It is important to note that treatment for glaucoma is ongoing and usually requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Regular examinations can help ensure that your treatment is working and prevent further vision loss.

Can you prevent Glaucoma?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to completely prevent glaucoma. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition or minimise its progression:

●      Regular examinations: Regular comprehensive exams are the best way to detect glaucoma early, when it is most treatable. If you are over 40 or have a family history of it, it is important to have your eyes checked at least once a year.

●      Exercise regularly: Exercise has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce pressure, which can help lower the risk of getting this disease.

●      Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can help protect the eyes from damage. Some studies have shown that green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, can be particularly beneficial.

●      Protection: Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety glasses when doing activities that could cause injury, such as playing sports or doing yard work.

●      Avoid smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of several diseases, including glaucoma.

●      Manage other health conditions: Some medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can increase the risk of glaucoma. Managing these conditions through lifestyle changes and medication can help reduce the risk.

While these steps may not guarantee that you will never develop glaucoma, they can help reduce your risk and improve your overall eye health.