What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain, rather than a single condition. This damage is most frequently caused by abnormally high pressure within the eye. It can also occur even when eye pressure registers within what is typically considered a normal range. In its most common forms, it develops silently. Peripheral vision gradually deteriorates without any warning, pain or noticeable change until significant, irreversible damage has already occurred.
Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive condition requiring lifelong management. An ophthalmologist, a specialist in this field, understands that preserving sight means controlling intraocular pressure consistently over decades, not just responding to an acute crisis. There is no glaucoma cure currently that can reverse damage already done. Modern glaucoma treatment, however, is extraordinarily effective at halting further progression when caught early and managed diligently.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common variety. It accounts for the vast majority of cases. In this form, the drainage angle within the eye remains open, but the tiny meshwork that allows fluid to exit becomes partially blocked. This leads to a slow, painless rise in pressure. Until substantial nerve damage has occurred, patients rarely notice anything amiss.
Angle-closure glaucoma presents very differently. Here, the drainage angle becomes completely blocked, which causes eye pressure to rise suddenly and dramatically. This is a medical emergency, accompanied by severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden blurred vision and seeing rainbow-coloured halos around lights. Another distinct type is normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs despite eye pressure measurements remaining within the normal range. This suggests other factors, like reduced blood flow to the nerve, may be at play.
Secondary glaucomas arise as a consequence of other conditions. These could be uveitis, eye trauma, certain medications like steroids or advanced cataracts. Though rare, congenital glaucoma affects infants and young children and requires prompt surgical intervention. Seeing a dedicated specialist matters enormously as each type demands a slightly different approach to treatment.
