Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve — the essential link between your eyes and brain. Often caused by elevated intraocular pressure, glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated early. Since symptoms usually develop silently, it’s often called the “silent thief of sight.”
In support of World Glaucoma Week, Eyemastr encourages everyone to learn, act, and spread awareness about this vision-threatening disease.
Types of Glaucoma
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, it develops gradually without pain. The drainage channels in the eye slowly clog, increasing eye pressure over time.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Occurs when the iris blocks drainage angles suddenly, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure — a medical emergency.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Eye pressure remains within normal limits, but the optic nerve still suffers damage, likely due to poor blood flow.
Who’s at Risk?
Understanding risk factors can help in early detection:
- Age: Risk increases after 40 and significantly more after 60.
- Family History: If a parent or sibling has glaucoma, your risk is higher.
- Ethnicity: African, Asian, and Hispanic populations are more susceptible.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and previous eye injuries elevate risk.
- High Refractive Errors: Severe myopia or hyperopia can contribute to glaucoma risk.
- Long-term Steroid Use: Prolonged use of steroids (drops, pills, or injections) may raise eye pressure.
Symptoms to Watch For
Most glaucoma types are asymptomatic until vision loss begins. However, angle-closure glaucoma can present suddenly with:
- Severe eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
If you notice these signs, seek urgent eye care.
How to Prevent Glaucoma
While not always preventable, you can reduce your risk:
- Routine Eye Exams: Annual check-ups help detect early signs.
- Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and no smoking support overall eye health.
- Control Systemic Conditions: Manage blood pressure and diabetes effectively.
- Medication Adherence: Use prescribed eye drops as directed to control eye pressure.
Treatment Options
At Eyemastr, glaucoma management is tailored to each patient’s condition:
- Medications: Eye drops are often the first line to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Laser Procedures: Improve fluid drainage or decrease fluid production.
- Surgery: Surgical intervention may be necessary if medications and laser aren’t effective.
Take the First Step This World Glaucoma Week
Early detection is key. Regular eye check-ups can help preserve your vision and slow the progression of glaucoma. At Eyemastr, our specialists use advanced diagnostics and personalized treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes for your eye health.
Join us this World Glaucoma Week — book your eye exam today and take a proactive step toward protecting your vision.
