Glaucoma

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Glaucoma

The leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide

  • Affects: 80 million people worldwide
  • 50% of affected people do not know they are affected

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness, comprising a group of diseases that cause progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is key to vision, as it transmits the images captured by the retina to the brain.

Visual Impairment

Glaucoma is a chronic disease caused by the early death of retinal ganglion cells, whose axons form the optic nerve. As a result, the optic nerve loses its functionality. If left untreated, the patient’s field of vision becomes reduced.

What causes glaucoma?

Most Common Risk Factor

  • Ocular hypertension: Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the primary risk factor for glaucoma. This occurs when the aqueous humor (fluid inside the eye) does not drain properly, causing excessive pressure on the optic nerve.

Other Risk Factors

  • Vascular problems: Some types of glaucoma with normal intraocular pressure (known as normotensive glaucoma) may be linked to issues with the blood vessels in the eye.
  • Genetic predisposition: Family history of glaucoma increases the risk. Types include:
    • Open-angle glaucoma (familial)
    • Congenital glaucoma (in infants)
    • Juvenile glaucoma

How can glaucoma be prevented?

  • Early diagnosis is key to preventing irreversible damage. Routine eye exams are recommended for individuals over the age of 40, especially those with risk factors such as:
    • Age (over 60)
    • Family history of glaucoma
    • Ocular hypertension
    • Myopia or high myopia
    • Other eye conditions (e.g., corneal, retinal, uveitis)
    • Previous ocular trauma
    • Narrow iridocorneal angle (cornea-iris junction)
    • Certain ethnicities (e.g., African, Asian)

Regular Check-ups

  • Glaucoma often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, making regular check-ups essential. It is particularly important for individuals with risk factors.

Symptoms

Glaucoma is a silent disease, meaning 50% of patients are unaware they have it due to the lack of obvious symptoms. Common symptoms may not appear until the disease has advanced.

Most Frequent Symptoms:

  • Loss of peripheral vision: Gradual reduction in the visual field.
  • In some cases: Loss of central vision in the early stages.
  • Falls: Increased risk due to vision loss.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma:

  • Red eye
  • Severe pain
  • Blurry eyesight
  • Halos around lights
  • Nausea or vomiting

In many cases, patients don’t realize they have glaucoma until significant vision loss occurs.