One of the most sensitive organs of the body would definitely include our eyes. Hence it is important to keep them in a good state. While we all know about the repercussions of prolonged screen hours, we remain stuck to longer screen hours. However, it is either because of work or entertainment. Under such a condition, the eyes are continuously bombarded with radiation, impacting your vision. Today eye problems have become very common, but regular eye check-ups and diagnoses can prevent many eye issues from aggravating. One such eye problem that we will be discussing here is Glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
In this condition, the optic nerve of the eyes is damaged. If not detected on time, the problem gets worsens with time. This is often a result of a buildup of pressure inside the eye. It usually runs in the family, and the problem emerges in the later years of life.
As mentioned above, Glaucoma is a result of a buildup of the internal pressure in the eyes, and this increased pressure is called intraocular pressure. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve that sends signals to the brain. It further causes vision loss and sometimes results in complete blindness.
By lowering this pressure, you can prevent the problem from aggravating. Hence, you must schedule a visit to the eye doctor. The right diagnosis can prevent the problem.
Key causes of Glaucoma
The important question arises: What results in glaucoma, or what causes the buildup of intraocular pressure.
Let’s try to answer these questions here:
The deterioration of the optic nerve is the primary cause of Glaucoma. In this case, the blind spot starts developing. Thus, it starts impacting the person’s vision. Elevated eye pressure is a result of aqueous humor buildup. Our eyes are continuously making aqueous humor. The internal fluid drains out via trabecular meshwork at an angle where the iris meets the cornea. This flows in and out. When the fluid level increases and the drainage is not proper, it starts accumulating in the eyes. Thus, it is resulting in eye pressure, and when this pressure increases, it damages the optic nerve.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-angle Glaucoma
It is the most common eye disease. In this, the drainage angle is formed by the cornea and the iris remains open. But the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. This creates pressure in the eyes, thus damaging the optic nerve.
Angle-closure Glaucoma
In this, the iris bulges forward and blocks the angle between the cornea and iris. Thus, the fluid cannot circulate in the eye, and it results in pressure build-up, thus causing Glaucoma.
Normal-tension Glaucoma
In this, the optic nerve is damaged even though the eye pressure is normal. The limited blood flow can be because of atherosclerosis. The sensitivity of the optic nerve could be the reason for the same. On the other hand, the lesser blood supply could be the reason for this.
Risk Factors
If you fall under any of the following categories, there is a greater probability of you being at risk of having Glaucoma:
- Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
- If you are 60 years or above
- A family history of Glaucoma could also result in this problem.
- The thinner cornea at the center
- Medical conditions like diabetes, high BP, and heart disease
- Extreme cases of myopia and hypermetropia are at risk of having Glaucoma
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best way out would be to visit an eye specialist to avoid any hassle. Ensure that you do not ignore the eye problem and seek the doctor’s help if you notice a regular headache, blurred vision, vomiting, nausea, or halos.