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Glaucoma is an eye condition in which there is a gradual
increase in the fluid pressure inside the eyes leading to production of loss
of vision or to permanent blindness.
The anterior chamber is the space located at the front of the eye. It is
where a clear liquid called aqueous humor normally circulates to nourish the
tissues. There is a constant production and drainage of this fluid thereby
maintaining a normal pressure inside.
Accumulation of aqueous humor occurs if the drainage area is blocked. This
will lead to increase in pressure inside which push on delicate structures
such as the optic nerve and cause damage.
The optic nerve is made up of millions of nerve fibers. It is very important
because it functions to carry the images that we see to the brain. Blind
spots appear when damage occur to some of the nerve fibers. There will be
blindness if the entire nerve is destroyed.
There are 2 types of glaucoma: chronic or primary open-angle glaucoma and
acute closed-angle glaucoma.
The most common type is chronic open-angle glaucoma. This type gradually
decreases the peripheral vision. There are no warning signs for you to know
that there is a serious condition developing in your eyes. By the time the
condition is noticed there is already the presence of permanent damage. The
risk usually increases with age.
The pressure inside the eye gradually increases because the drainage becomes
less efficient leading to accumulation of fluid. In the early stages there
may be no signs and symptoms. But as the diseases progresses and the optic
nerve continue to be damaged then blind spots may appear which later on
enlarge and lead to blindness if all the fibers are damaged.
The other type, acute closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye emergency. This is
due to an abnormality in the anatomy of the eye which is already present at
birth. The iris is very near the drainage angle so that it may block the
drainage completely leading to increase in fluid pressure.
The affected individual suddenly develops severe eye pain, headache, blurred
vision, nausea and vomiting. These may be accompanied by red eyes, dilated
pupils, and presence of haloes around lights. These may be present for a few
hours, disappear, then return again with reduction in the field of vision.
The goal of treatment is to keep the intraocular pressure under control to
prevent loss of vision. Eyedrops can be instilled to lower the eye pressure
and prevent further damage. These either improve the flow of aqueous humor
in the angle or they lessen the rate of production to lessen the pressure.
Doing an eye operation or laser surgery are other measures that can be done
to prevent further damage and prevent blindness.
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