Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions in which there is damage to the optic nerve at the back of the eye. When some of the fibres that make up the optic nerve are damaged the result is areas of decreased vision. If left untreated, more fibres become damaged and there are particularly blurred patches and missing areas in the field of vision. Severe glaucoma can cause blindness.
The front part of your eye is filled with fluid and eye pressure normally stays within a regular range by producing and draining this fluid at a constant rate. However, a problem with the circulation of the fluid or drainage can cause the pressure within the eye to increase which can damage the optic nerve.
There are several types of glaucoma. The most common type, primary open angle glaucoma, has no symptoms initially but later may start to alter your peripheral, ‘side’, vision. It can be very difficult to know if you have it. Treatment for open angle glaucoma usually begins with drops and these can be highly effective if used early on in the development of the disease.
When there is a sudden blockage in the drainage canals in the eye this is called acute closed angle glaucoma. The pressure builds up rapidly and can cause sudden blurred vision, haloes around lights, headaches, nausea and severe pain. Permanent visual damage or blindness can occur very quickly. This is an emergency situation as the rapid increase in pressure can severely damage the optic nerve in just a few hours so it is very important that you seek immediate treatment.
It is important for everyone over 40 to have regular check-ups to exclude glaucoma. If you are at higher risk of developing glaucoma then you should start eye checks at an earlier age. One higher risk factor is a family history of glaucoma.
The front part of your eye is filled with fluid and eye pressure normally stays within a regular range by producing and draining this fluid at a constant rate. However, a problem with the circulation of the fluid or drainage can cause the pressure within the eye to increase which can damage the optic nerve.
There are several types of glaucoma. The most common type, primary open angle glaucoma, has no symptoms initially but later may start to alter your peripheral, ‘side’, vision. It can be very difficult to know if you have it. Treatment for open angle glaucoma usually begins with drops and these can be highly effective if used early on in the development of the disease.
When there is a sudden blockage in the drainage canals in the eye this is called acute closed angle glaucoma. The pressure builds up rapidly and can cause sudden blurred vision, haloes around lights, headaches, nausea and severe pain. Permanent visual damage or blindness can occur very quickly. This is an emergency situation as the rapid increase in pressure can severely damage the optic nerve in just a few hours so it is very important that you seek immediate treatment.
It is important for everyone over 40 to have regular check-ups to exclude glaucoma. If you are at higher risk of developing glaucoma then you should start eye checks at an earlier age. One higher risk factor is a family history of glaucoma.
