What is Glaucoma?
is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. The extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. Blindness from glaucoma can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. There are different types of glaucoma. The most common type is called chronic open-angle glaucoma (COAG) or primary open-angle glaucoma. COAG develops slowly and painlessly, so any damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight are gradual and you may not notice anything has changed until the condition is very advanced. The term ‘open-angle’ refers to the angle formed in the eye between the outer edge of the iris and sclera. In COAG this is normal, whereas in acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG), which is a much less common condition, it is narrowed or blocked off.
Who develops Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is common in people aged over 40 years old. Glaucoma can affect anyone but it is more common if you:
• Have a family history of glaucoma.
• Extreme nearsightedness.
• Have diabetes, high blood pressure or poor blood circulation
• Are of African or Asian or Hispanic heritage.
• Are over age 40.
• Have had an eye injury
• Use long term of steroid medications
What is the treatment for Glaucoma?
The aim of treatment is to lower your eye pressure. If your eye pressure is lowered, further damage to the optic nerve is likely to be prevented or delayed. Your eye specialist will advise you on the treatment required depending on the level of the eye pressure. Eye pressure can be lowered in various ways like application of eye drops, drug intake, laser treatment and surgery when necessary.
