Glaucoma 101: A Guide to Protecting Your Vision for Life

What is Glaucoma of the Eye?

Glaucoma is a complicated disease, and diagnosis isn’t always straightforward. According to Glaucoma UK, the number of people with glaucoma in the UK is expected to increase by a whopping 44% between 2015 and 2035.

So, what is glaucoma eye disease? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve is damaged. The optic nerve transfers visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is usually caused by fluid (aqueous humour) buildup in the front of the eye, which increases the pressure inside the eye. Unfortunately, glaucoma can lead to vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early.

What Causes Glaucoma Eye Disease?

There are a couple of reasons why you may get glaucoma in the eyes. Most cases are caused by a build-up of eye pressure when fluid is unable to drain. This pressure then causes optic nerve damage.

There are a couple of types of glaucoma that help to classify and identify the true cause of it, which we’ll explore later in the article. However, there are certain things that may make you more at risk of developing glaucoma.

Who is at Risk of Getting Glaucoma?

There are a variety of factors that make someone more susceptible to developing glaucoma.

• Age: Glaucoma is more common in those aged over 40.
• High blood pressure: Very high blood pressure can increase intraocular pressure.
• Ethnicity: People of African, Caribbean or Asian origin are at a higher risk.
• Family history: Genetic factors play a part in whether you’re more likely to develop glaucoma.
• Other medical conditions: Those with shortsightedness or longsightedness, and diabetes are at a higher risk.

Are There Different Types of Glaucoma?

There are three types of glaucoma: primary, secondary, and developmental.

Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma in the UK and happens when the eye’s drainage canals become blocked. When this happens, the inner eye pressure (IOP) rises as the right amount of fluid can’t drain from the eye properly.

Secondary glaucoma occurs as a side effect of another underlying medical condition (like uveitis) or trauma. It differs from primary glaucoma where there’s no identifiable cause for it to develop.

Developmental glaucoma - also known as childhood or congenital glaucoma - is a rare type that occurs in babies or children and is caused by an abnormality of the eye. Around one in 10,000 children are born with glaucoma, or develop it in childhood.

Glaucoma Symptoms

The symptoms of glaucoma tend to develop slowly over time, affecting the edges of your vision first and causing peripheral vision loss. In more severe cases, symptoms of glaucoma in the eyes could include the following:

• Blurred vision
• Seeing rainbow halos/rings around lights
• Intense eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• A red eye
• Headaches
• Eye tenderness

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or your visual acuity has changed, go see an ophthalmologist for answers.

Can You Get Laser Eye Treatment for Glaucoma?

Although eyedrops are the main treatment method for glaucoma, there are instances where getting laser eye surgery for glaucoma is an option.

There are several laser eye procedures for glaucoma, including:

• Laser trabeculoplasty: A laser opens your eyes drainage tubes, allowing for more fluid to drain and reducing pressure. This procedure aims to treat open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
• Laser iridotomy: A laser creates holes in your iris to allow fluid to drain from the eye. This procedure treats (primary) angle closure glaucoma.
• Cyclodiode laser treatment: A laser removes some eye tissue that produces fluid, reducing the pressure in the eye.

How to Prevent Glaucoma

Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent glaucoma.

There is some evidence that suggests maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly helps to keep the eye pressure low. Protecting your eyes when playing sports or working with equipment can prevent injury, which could result in traumatic glaucoma (also known as secondary glaucoma).

Getting regular eye tests is pivotal in early detection and treatment of glaucoma. An eye test is recommended at least every two years over the age of 35.

Early detection and proactive management are the best ways to prevent and treat glaucoma eye disease. If you suspect that you have any symptoms, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.

Dr Radhika Rampat, ophthalmologist at betterview: ‘Regular eye examinations with eye tests are essential to ensure the health of the eye. Eye diseases such as glaucoma in particular can otherwise develop unnoticed over a long period of time and by the time symptoms become noticeable, irreparable damage has already occurred.’