Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, Types and Modern Treatments

Glaucoma is an eye disease that threatens the sight of millions of people worldwide. The disease is caused by an increase in intraocular pressure and the effect of this pressure on the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to gradual vision loss and even blindness. In this article, I will provide extensive information about the causes, symptoms, types and modern treatment methods of glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease mainly associated with increased intraocular pressure. As a result of improper flow of aqueous humor in the eye, the pressure increases and this damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the main pathway that carries information between the eye and the brain, and damage to it can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Glaucoma can occur for a variety of reasons, including genetic factors, aging, eye injuries, diabetes, and other health problems.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is mainly caused by the following reasons:

1. Disruption of Intraocular Fluid Flow: Increased intraocular pressure is associated with disruption of the normal flow of intraocular fluid. This fluid leaves the anterior chamber of the eye through special channels, and the blockage or narrowing of these channels causes an increase in pressure.
2. Heredity: Glaucoma can run in families. If you have a family member with glaucoma, you may also be at increased risk.
3. Age: The disease occurs most often in people over the age of 40, and the risk increases with age.
4. Other Health Problems: Problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and hypothyroidism increase the risk of glaucoma.
5. Eye Injuries and Surgery: Eye injuries, surgeries or inflammations can lead to the development of glaucoma.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is divided into different types, each type has its own characteristics and treatment approaches. The main types of glaucoma are:

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma and often develops without symptoms. The drainage system of the eye gradually becomes blocked and intraocular pressure begins to increase. This type of glaucoma usually progresses gradually over years, and vision loss becomes apparent at a very late stage.
2. Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma can occur suddenly and requires immediate medical attention. Suddenly, intraocular pressure increases sharply, which is accompanied by severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision and eye redness.
3. Secondary Glaucoma: Secondary glaucoma is caused by other health problems such as eye injuries, eye inflammations, tumors, or diabetes.
4. Congenital Glaucoma: This is a rare type and occurs in infants and children. Congenital glaucoma is caused by the improper development of the drainage system of the eye, and it is important to diagnose it at an early stage.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. In most cases, glaucoma develops without symptoms in the early stages, but some of the symptoms are listed below:

• Narrowing or loss of vision (tunnel vision)
• Blurred vision
• Eye pain and headache
• Sensitivity to light or the appearance of rings around light sources
• Eye redness
• Nausea and vomiting (in acute closed-angle glaucoma)
• Diagnosis of Glaucoma

Early diagnosis of glaucoma is crucial to prevent vision loss. During the eye examination, the ophthalmologist checks for glaucoma by conducting several tests. These include intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry), visual field tests, optic nerve evaluation, and examination of the internal structures of the eye.

Modern Treatment Ways of Glaucoma

Glaucoma treatment is mainly aimed at reducing intraocular pressure. The method of treatment differs according to the type of the disease, its stage and the general health of the patient. The main treatment methods are:

1. Medications: The main treatment method for glaucoma is medication. Medicines in the form of eye drops or tablets help reduce intraocular pressure and improve fluid flow. These drugs should be used regularly.
2. Laser Surgery: Laser procedures can be used for open-angle or closed-angle glaucoma. Laser trabeculoplasty improves the flow of intraocular fluid in open-angle glaucoma, while laser iridotomy is used for angle-closure glaucoma.
3. Microinvasive Surgery (MIGS): This is a method used in recent years to treat glaucoma. MIGS is less invasive than traditional surgical methods and has a shorter recovery time.
4. Surgery: If other treatments fail, surgery may be required. Trabeculectomy or other surgical procedures are used to lower intraocular pressure.

Tips to Prevent Glaucoma

• There are some simple but effective steps you can take to reduce your risk of glaucoma:
• Regular Eye Checkups: Regular eye checkups are especially important for those at risk (over 40, family history of glaucoma, diabetics, etc.).
• Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy diet, regular exercise and managing diseases such as diabetes can reduce the risk of glaucoma.
• Protecting Eyes from Trauma: Wear protective glasses during sports or other risky activities.
• Use of Eye Medications: If eye drops or medications have been prescribed by your doctor, it is important to use them correctly. In particular, steroid drugs should not be taken on their own without a doctor's supervision.

Living with Glaucoma and Coping with the Risk of Vision Loss

For those diagnosed with glaucoma, lifestyle changes and regular medical follow-up are very important. Living with glaucoma is possible with proper treatment, eye care and a healthy lifestyle. For the treatment to be effective, it is important to follow the instructions and regular consultations with the doctor.