We use our full range of senses to interact with the world, and each one contributes to the richness of our life experience. However, sight is the sense most people rely on most. According to various studies, most people are more afraid of losing their sight than their other senses.
If you're among the majority and would like to keep your sight throughout your life, you should be aware of one of the leading causes of blindness: glaucoma. In this article, with the help of specialists from Clínica Nivaria , we'll explain the causes, symptoms, and treatments to help you maintain your vision for as long as possible.
How does glaucoma occur?
It is estimated that millions of people worldwide suffer from this condition, which is characterized by damage to the optic nerve. There are several ways in which the optic nerve can be damaged; the most common is when internal pressure builds up inside the eyeball.
The most common types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma, which are caused by pressure inside the eyeball.
Open-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is characterized by a gradual increase in pressure that increasingly affects the optic nerve, leading to damage and potentially vision loss. This type is usually painless, and symptoms of glaucoma include loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision in advanced cases.
Closed-angle glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is the second most common form and is characterized by a rapid increase in pressure, which can limit the iris's ability to open. Because the pressure rises quickly, you may experience eye pain, a sudden onset of blurred vision, or stomach upset.
However, if the pupil dilates during a sudden increase in eye pressure, it can lead to a critical situation that may irreversibly damage the eyeball. Pupil dilation can be caused by dilating eye drops during an eye exam or by the use of allergy drops.
If you experience eye pain and notice that your irises are different sizes, these are symptoms of glaucoma that you can't ignore! Contact our Ophthalmology Center in Santa Cruz de Tenerife immediately. If the pressure continues to rise, the damage to your eye can also increase, potentially leading to serious damage and possible vision loss.
Am I at risk for glaucoma?
Common factors that cause glaucoma include:
- Age: With each passing year, your risk increases slightly. Black people have a higher risk after age 40, and others have a higher risk after age 60.
- Race: People of African descent have a higher risk of glaucoma. Asians have a higher risk of narrow-angle glaucoma, and people of Japanese descent are more likely to develop low-tension glaucoma, which can be genetic or caused by low blood pressure.
- Family history: If you have a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle who has had glaucoma, you may be at risk.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute to the development of glaucoma.
- Use of corticosteroid steroids: Continued use of cortisone, hydrocortisone, and prednisone for extended periods may put some people at risk of developing low-tension glaucoma.
- Incorrect eye surgery: If cataract surgery or corneal transplants are not performed correctly, glaucoma can develop.
- Other eye conditions: Injuries or diseases that lead to retinal detachment, eye tumors, and inflammation can also be factors in developing glaucoma. Some studies have linked extreme myopia to a risk factor.
Glaucoma diagnosis
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection of glaucoma. During a comprehensive eye exam at our center, one of our exceptional specialists can perform a painless procedure called tonometry to measure the internal pressure of the eye. When diagnosing glaucoma, our doctor may also measure your field of vision and examine the optic nerve to ensure it is healthy.
Unfortunately, once glaucoma is detected, there are no treatments that completely restore eye health, but treatment can slow the progression of the disease.
Glaucoma prevention
The first line of defense against glaucoma is to have regular eye exams with one of our leading ophthalmologists. Another way to help reduce your risk of glaucoma is to take preventive measures, such as wearing proper eye protection while playing sports or using tools and machinery that could damage your eyes.
If you are overweight and your doctor believes that the extra weight is contributing to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, consider losing your weight as an additional glaucoma prevention measure.
Glaucoma treatment
Eye drops are used as the first treatment, followed by an outpatient procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty. When medications and laser treatment are not adequate to lower eye pressure, surgical therapies may be attempted, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery that places a stent in the eye's drainage system.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with glaucoma, it is imperative that the condition be monitored to help prevent further progression. Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. You will receive the best ophthalmological care in the Canary Islands! Book your appointment today by calling us at 822 027 777. We will be happy to see you at our Ophthalmology Clinic in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
