Glaucoma is used to describe a group of vision conditions related to dangerous build up of intraocular pressure (IOP). It is impossible to tell if you have high eye pressure as there are no physical signs that you might notice with other conditions.
Most types of glaucoma show no symptoms until noticeable vision loss has already occurred. It is important to have regular eye exams so that you can have your IOP levels checked by an optometrist, who can determine if treatment may be needed.
There are two major types of glaucoma that can affect your vision in different ways. Glaucoma causes can also vary based on type.
- Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG): This major type of glaucoma usually goes unnoticed until permanent damage to the visual field has already taken place. If untreated, your POAG can result in the loss of your peripheral vision. This is known as "tunnel vision", where you will only be able to see objects that are straight ahead.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: Also called narrow-angle glaucoma, this type will present sudden symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, halos around lights and vision loss.
The symptoms may be present in attacks lasting several hours, disappearing for a period of time, then returning. Each episode will correspond to permanent damage to your field of vision.
Other types of glaucoma can affect your vision in different of ways, some similar to the major types but with slight variations.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: Causes visual field loss as an open-angle glaucoma, similar to POAG. Pain and other symptoms are not likely with this form of glaucoma and it may not be discovered until a serious symptom such as tunnel vision occurs.
It is thought that a lack of blood flow to the optic nerve is a possible cause of this type, but this connection has not been proven yet. - Congenital glaucoma: This form of glaucoma is inherited at birth and often diagnosed in the first year. This type can be difficult to diagnose but if you notice cloudiness similar to congenital cataracts or an enlarged eye you should have your child checked by an eye doctor immediately.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma: Pigment from the iris clogs the drainage angle in this very rare form of glaucoma. Symptoms are unlikely, however, you can experience mild pain or blurred vision after exercising.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Usually develops after an eye injury, infection, tumor, or enlarged cataract.
The glaucoma treatment that your doctor recommends will be determined by the type and severity of your condition. The first form of treatment is often eye drops designed to lower or control IOP levels. It is not uncommon for more than one type of eye drop to be prescribed for glaucoma since many types of these drops can actually enhance the effects of the others.
If your IOP hasn't stabilized as a result of medication you may be a candidate for glaucoma surgery. Surgical procedures will attempt to either decrease the production of intraocular fluid or increase the drainage of the fluid to reduce pressure.
Links:
- Visit www.allaboutvision.com for more information on glaucoma.