Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disorder that destroys your optic nerves present in the eye. When the aqueous fluid in the eye fails to drain properly, it creates pressure that results in glaucoma. The pressure destroys the optic nerve that transmits photographic images to your brain, and if the issue intensifies, it can result in total blindness or vision loss.

It is good to note that most people with glaucoma fail to note any pain and early symptoms. Thus, you must pay your eye doctor a visit to treat and diagnose glaucoma and other eye-related disorders before experiencing total vision loss.

And although doctors can recover vision loss due to glaucoma, you must have regular eye check-ups to keep your vision. Furthermore, if doctors recognize the condition early, they can protect you from eye loss, but you will have to follow the doctor's treatment plan if you want to be safe.

The aqueous fluid present in your eye tends to get out of your eye in a mesh-like channel. And if the eye produces too much fluid or blocks the channel, the aqueous fluid builds up. However, medical experts are yet to know the cause of this blockage, but one can inherit it from parents. Click here to find out more about myopia.

There are five types of glaucoma: angle-closure, open-angle, normal-tension, pigmentary, and glaucoma in children. The most common type of this condition is open-angle glaucoma. The drainage angle created by the iris and cornea remains open, while the trabecular meshwork remains partially blocked. The pressure destroys the optic nerves slowly, resulting in a gradual loss of sight.

Closed-angle glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma happens when the iris blocks or narrows the drainage angle created by the iris and cornea by bulging forward. This blocks the circulation of the fluid, increasing the pressure of the liquid in the eye. Closed-angle glaucoma occurs either gradually or suddenly. When it occurs suddenly, you must contact a medical expert before it escalates.

At times, you may have damaged optic nerves that do not result from pressure since it is at a normal range. Although scientists are yet to determine the root cause of this condition, less blood flow to the optic nerve and sensitive optic nerve can result in this condition. Atherosclerosis that is the accumulation of fatty acids in the arteries, can result in limited blood flow.

Children can also develop glaucoma either during birth or when they grow old. Underlying medical disorders and drainage blockages can play a significant role in damaging their optic nerves.

Pigmentary glaucoma is when pigments accumulate in the drainage channels, blocking or slowing the fluid leaving your eye. Jogging and other activities can stir up the pigments, dropping them on the trabecular meshwork, leading to recurrent pressure elevations.

Knowing your family's health history is important in preventing glaucoma. Unfortunately, this condition is hereditary. Hence, if one of your members has a history of contracting glaucoma, you may have to do some regular screening.

Another step to prevent vision loss is by getting regular dilated eye tests. Eye examination tests can help identify patients with glaucoma before it creates significant damage. Generally, you should have eye testing once after every five years if you are below 40 years; once in tow or four years if you are between 40 and 55 years; and once in three years if you are above 55 years old.

Engaging in moderate and regular exercise can help prevent or slow glaucoma by decreasing eye pressure. Thus, if you want to protect yourself and your family members, talk to an experienced and certified medical expert to give you an appropriate workout program.

Unfortunately, optic nerve damage is irreversible. Thus, it's best to contact your medical expert before it occurs to help lower the risks associated with eye damage.