What is glaucoma, also known as "glaucoma" or "blue water"?
And what are its reasons?
How does the patient see it?
And when does he lose sight?
And which is more dangerous, "glaucoma" or cataract, also known as "cataract"?
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic disease that damages the optic nerve and threatens blindness if not treated, according to the German Eye Foundation.
Glaucoma is also called "glaucoma" or "blue water", and it is not a single disease, but rather a group of conditions that affect the eye and lead to damage to the optic nerve, and this damage usually occurs - but not always - as a result of high pressure inside the eyeball.
Illustration showing the progression of glaucoma
Causes of glaucoma
The anterior chamber of the eye is filled with a fluid called aqueous humor, which is found between the cornea and the iris. This fluid is drained through channels in the front of the eye in an area called the angle of the anterior chamber.
In the case of glaucoma, this drainage process declines or stops as a result of obstruction in the channels, which leads to high eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve. In other cases, the pressure inside the eye chamber is normal, but nevertheless damage to the optic nerve occurs.
Naming glaucoma
The origin of the word "glaucoma" came from the Greek language, meaning a hazy color or greenish blue, and although the name is associated with the color blue, the Greek name most likely meant that the appearance of the pupil becomes glassy, and not that the affected person sees blue scenes.
What is the difference between glaucoma and eye pressure?
Glaucoma is a disease that arises as a result of high pressure in the eye.
Glaucoma and pregnancy
The Glaucoma Research Foundation in the US says that studies of pregnant women with ocular hypertension (not glaucoma) show that eye pressure decreases as pregnancy progresses.
In the past, many believed that this natural decrease in eye pressure would stabilize patients with glaucoma and reduce the need for treatment during pregnancy.
However, a study of pregnant women with glaucoma showed that up to 60% of women experience a deterioration in the fields of vision or an increase in eye pressure during pregnancy or both, and the course of glaucoma among pregnant women is highly variable, so it should be Watch them closely.
Diagnosis of glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually diagnosed during a routine eye exam, often before it causes any noticeable symptoms.
Other tests are usually needed afterwards to diagnose and monitor the condition, according to the UK's National Health Service.
It is important to have regular eye exams, so that problems such as glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Early treatment can help prevent vision from being severely affected.
A person should have an eye exam at least every two years if they are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
Diagnostic and monitoring tests for glaucoma
There are different tests an ophthalmologist may perform if glaucoma is suspected after a routine eye exam.
Eye pressure test
An eye pressure test uses an instrument called a tonometer to measure the pressure inside your eye.
The ophthalmologist applies a small amount of pain medication (anesthetic) to the front of the eye, shines a light on it, and then gently touches its surface with a tonometer.
Some optometrists use a different instrument, using a jet of air that does not touch the eye, to check pressure.
Gonioscopy
It is a procedure in which the front of the eye is examined, and it can help determine the type of glaucoma you have.
Visual field test
A visual field (sometimes called peripheral) test is performed to look for areas of lost vision.
In the examination, the person is shown a series of light points and the doctor asks him to press a button to indicate the points that he can see.
Some dots appear at the edges of the vision (peripheral vision), which is often the first area affected by glaucoma.
If a person cannot see spots in the extremities, this may mean that glaucoma has damaged vision.
Optic nerve evaluation
The optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, can be damaged by glaucoma, so the doctor may need to perform an evaluation to see if the nerve is healthy.
How does a glaucoma patient see?
According to a study published in the American Journal of Medical Sciences, the most common visual symptoms reported by patients with glaucoma are:
The need for more light.
blurry vision
See the glow?
Low peripheral vision.
Types of glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, and each type has its own causes:
Open angle glaucoma
chronic disease.
develops over a long period.
Painless, and the patient does not feel it.
Its causes are mostly unknown.
High pressure pushes the optic nerve.
It usually affects certain families.
Closed-angle glaucoma
acute illness
It is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in intraocular pressure.
Sharp and clear pain.
You must see a doctor immediately because it is an emergency medical condition.
Certain medications and mydriasis drops may trigger an attack of this type of glaucoma.
Congenital glaucoma
It is with the child from birth.
It is caused by problems with the development of the eye.
Secondary glaucoma
It is caused by a disease or other cause.
One of its causes is medications such as cortisone.
It also results from chronic diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart disease.
Trauma and injury to the eye may also lead to secondary glaucoma.
Normal tension glaucoma
The pressure inside the eye is normal, but the optic nerve is very sensitive, which leads to damage.
The lack of blood supply to the optic nerve may play a role in the disease, and this results from atherosclerosis, for example.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Symptoms of open angle glaucoma
Most infected people do not have symptoms.
Slow and gradual loss of vision on both sides of the vision.
In advanced stages, it leads to blindness.
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma
Sudden sharp pain in the eye.
blurry vision
nausea.
vomiting.
eye redness
Feeling of swelling in the eye.
Symptoms of congenital glaucoma
Blurry in the front of the child's eye.
eye redness
The child's sensitivity to light, that is, his inability to tolerate light.
Many tears.
Glaucoma treatment
There are many different treatments for glaucoma, depending on the condition.
Treatment can't reverse any vision loss that's already occurred, but it can help stop vision deterioration.
Treatment depends largely on the type of glaucoma a person has, as follows:
Open angle glaucoma treatment
It is usually treated with eye drops, and laser therapy or surgery may be offered if the drops do not help.
Closed angle glaucoma treatment
Immediate hospitalization with medications to reduce pressure in the eye, followed by laser treatment.
Treatment of secondary glaucoma
Eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause.
Treatment of childhood glaucoma
Surgery to correct an eye problem that has led to fluid buildup and pressure.
Types of glaucoma treatments
eye drops
Eye drops are the main treatment for glaucoma.
There are several different types that can be used, and they all work to reduce pressure in the eyes.
They are usually used between 1 and 4 times a day.
It is important to use them as directed.
Laser therapy
Laser treatment may be recommended if eye drops do not improve symptoms.
Types of laser treatment include:
Laser trabeculoplasty: A laser is used to open the drainage tubes inside the eye, allowing more fluid to drain and reducing internal pressure.
Cyclodiode laser treatment: A laser is used to destroy some of the eye tissue that produces fluid, which reduces pressure in the eye.
Laser iridotomy (incision): A laser is used to make holes in the iris of the eye to allow fluid to drain out.
surgery
In rare cases, your doctor may recommend surgery if treatment with eye drops or a laser isn't effective.
The most common type of surgery to treat glaucoma is called a trabeculectomy.
It involves removing part of the eye's drainage tubes to allow fluid to drain more easily.
When does a glaucoma patient lose his sight?
On average, untreated glaucoma takes about 10-15 years to progress from early damage to total blindness.
If the intraocular pressure (IOP) is 21 to 25 mm Hg, it takes 15 years to reach blindness if left untreated.
In the event that the pressure inside the eye is from 25 to 30 mm Hg, it takes about 7 years to reach blindness if it is not treated.
But if the pressure inside the eye is more than 30 mm Hg, it takes 3 years to reach blindness if it is not treated.
Can glaucoma be cured?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no cure (yet) for glaucoma, but if caught early, vision can be preserved and vision loss prevented.
Which is more dangerous white or blue water?
Glaucoma is more dangerous than cataracts.
Glaucoma (glaucoma) is more likely to cause blindness, so treatment is vital. Although cataracts can be serious, it is not as likely to cause blindness as glaucoma.
Risk factors for glaucoma
The person must be over 60 years old.
Having a family history of glaucoma.
diabetes.
heart disease.
Hypertension.
some eye diseases.
Long-term use of corticosteroids.
Glaucoma prevention
See an ophthalmologist regularly.
Control of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Protect the eyes from injuries and bruises, and wear protective glasses to protect the eyes, as injuries and bruises may lead to glaucoma.