Understanding Glaucoma: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease often characterized by increased pressure within the eye, leading to damage of the optic nerve and potentially irreversible vision loss. Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma can develop gradually without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the various aspects of glaucoma, including its types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and preventive measures.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and angle-closure glaucoma being the most common. Other types include normal-tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, secondary glaucoma (caused by other eye conditions or trauma), and pigmentary glaucoma.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, but it often involves impaired drainage of aqueous humor, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Risk factors for glaucoma include age, family history, ethnicity (African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk), certain medical conditions (such as diabetes and hypertension), and prolonged corticosteroid use.

Symptoms

In the early stages, glaucoma typically has no symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection. As the condition progresses, symptoms may include gradual loss of peripheral vision, blurred vision, halos around lights, eye pain, redness, and difficulty adjusting to low light conditions.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of glaucoma involves a comprehensive eye examination, including measurement of IOP, assessment of optic nerve health, visual field testing, and evaluation of the drainage angle in the eye. Additional tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and gonioscopy may also be performed to aid in diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for glaucoma aims to lower IOP to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Options include medicated eye drops, laser therapy (such as selective laser trabeculoplasty), and surgical interventions (such as trabeculectomy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery). The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as individual patient factors.

While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, certain lifestyle choices and regular eye exams can help reduce the risk of vision loss. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting the eyes from injury, knowing family history, and attending regular comprehensive eye exams, especially for individuals at higher risk.

If you or a loved one is concerned they might have glaucoma, schedule an eye exam with our experienced ophthalmologist here in San Antonio.