Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in people aged above 60s. Damaging the optic nerve, the disease can lead to permanent vision loss. But unfortunately, half of people are unaware of the condition and rarely recognize that they have Glaucoma. Early detection and regular treatment are the only ways to prevent vision loss. So here we will discuss the primary causes of Glaucoma, exploring different aspects you should know about the optical disease.
Glaucoma: Things You Should Know
According to research, about 80 million people worldwide have Glaucoma, and this number is expected to increase to more than 111 million by 2040. ( source : brightfocus )
Glaucoma is a series of eye conditions that gradually damage the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. In most cases, Glaucoma is primarily driven by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual signals from the retina to the brain, becomes progressively damaged due to increased pressure, resulting in the gradual loss of peripheral vision.
Glaucoma patients often suffer from low contrast and difficulty adjusting between light and dark settings. In that case, wearing a special type of prescribed eyeglasses can help them with such adjustments. At Salisbury Optometrists, we provide lots of affordable eyeglasses options one can go for.
What Causes Glaucoma?
The eye continuously produces a liquid called aqueous humor, which is responsible for the round shape of the eye. The fluid fills the front part of your eye and then flows through channels in your cornea and iris. When the channels or passages are blocked or partially obstructed, the natural pressure of aqueous humor in your eye increases. The pressure is called intraocular pressure (IOP). When the increased amount of intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerves, it affects your eyesight badly.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
In most situations, the drainage angle formed by the iris and cornea remains open. But other parts of the system can not drain properly due to obstructions. This can lead to a gradual, gradual increase in eye pressure.
The situation is the most common type of Glaucoma, which is open-angle Glaucoma. According to estimations, 57.5 million people worldwide are affected by open-angle Glaucoma, with a global prevalence of 2.2%. Wearing prescribed eyeglasses can help these patients with light sensitivity. You can find a nice collection of affordable eyeglasses at Salisbury Optometrist to deal with your optical issues. (source: National Library of Medicine )
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris swells. A swollen iris partially or entirely blocks the drainage angle. As a result, fluid cannot circulate through the eye, and the pressure increases. Angle-closure Glaucoma can occur suddenly or gradually.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
In some cases, the person has a sensitive optic nerve or decreased blood flow. This limited blood flow can be caused by fatty deposits in the arteries or other conditions that impair circulation. The impaired circulation affects the vision power badly, known as Normal-tension glaucoma.
Congenital Glaucoma
Some newborns are born with improperly formed drainage tubes from the womb. This condition is also known as pediatric, infantile, or Congenital glaucoma. Your healthcare provider might notice your baby’s glaucoma symptoms at birth, or signs may become noticeable during childhood.
What Are The Risk Factors For Glaucoma:
There are several risk factors responsible for developing Glaucoma, including age, family history, medical condition, eye anatomy, eye surgery, etc. Let’s have a closer look at them.
Age Of The Individual:
The risk of developing Glaucoma goes up significantly with age of an individual. People over the age of 60 are at high risk, with the chance of developing glaucoma increases with each passing decade. However, for African-Americans, the risk begins at age 40, according to recent research. (source: National Eye Institute )
Family History:
Glaucoma often has a hereditary component. If you have a close family member with Glaucoma, such as a parent or sibling, your risk of developing the disease is higher. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in certain types of Glaucoma, such as primary open-angle Glaucoma (POAG).
Ethnicity:
Some ethnic groups have a higher prevalence of Glaucoma. For example, African-Americans or people of African descent are significantly more prone to develop glaucoma than Caucasians. People of Asian descent have a higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma, and people of Japanese descent have a higher risk of low-tension glaucoma.
Medical Conditions:
Certain systemic conditions and medical treatments can elevate the risk of Glaucoma. These include diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), migraines, and the prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.
Eye Anatomy:
The anatomical structure of your eyes can influence the risk of Glaucoma. People with thinner central corneal thickness are more susceptible to Glaucoma, as they may have a higher IOP reading even within the normal range.
Eye Trauma Or Surgery:
Previous eye injuries or surgeries can disrupt the eye’s internal structures, impairing the proper drainage of aqueous humor and increasing the risk of glaucoma development. Individuals with eye trauma can wear eyeglasses to protect their eyes from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Find a wide range of affordable eyeglasses with us to prevent further optical ailments.
Myopia (Nearsightedness):
Individuals with severe myopia have a higher risk of developing Glaucoma due to the elongated shape of the eyeball, which can affect fluid dynamics and increase IOP.
Final words
Though Glaucoma is one of the most critical eye diseases that can permanently reduce your vision, early detection and continued treatment can improve your eye condition. If you think your eyes are prone to Glaucoma, get your eyes tested under the sharp supervision of expert opticians at Salisbury Optometrist, your one-stop eye health solution.