Glaucoma is currently one of the leading causes of vision loss in the world. This happens when there’s an imbalance between your eye fluid production and draining. If left uncontrolled, it may lead to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) levels. Let your expert eyeglasses store, EyeSite of The Villages, explain this condition in more detail.

Glaucoma

Causes and Types

Your eyes constantly produce fluids to help maintain the pressure inside them. They ideally drain into the trabecular meshwork, which is found in the angle formed between your iris and cornea. In narrow-angle or angle closure glaucoma, structural obstructions may restrict this space, leading to a decreased fluid emptying rate and increased IOP.

According to your reliable eye doctor, glaucoma may also happen even when this angle is wide open, which is known as wide-angle or open glaucoma. This occurs when the trabecular meshwork itself develops structural irregularities, causing it to ineffectively empty your eye fluids. This may lead to eye fluid build-up and high IOP levels.

Increased IOP can cause compression of the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting nerve signals from the retina to the brain. Any damage to this structure may disrupt the image translation cycle, leading to visual impairment.

Manifestations and Our Management Options

Glaucoma is commonly known as the “silent thief of sight” because it’s asymptomatic during the disease’s early phases. That said, you may notice changes in your vision later on, such as blurry eyesight, eye strain and tunnel vision. Seeing halos around lights and headaches are also common. If this problem is left unchecked, you may eventually lose your eyesight.

Once you notice any of these symptoms, make sure to visit your go-to eye center immediately. We’ll perform eye exams to confirm glaucoma, which may include a tonometry test to measure your IOP. For results above 12-22 mm Hg, applying IOP-lowering eye drops may prevent the condition’s progression. For more severe cases, microsurgery or laser trabeculoplasty can be the best treatment.

For more information about glaucoma, call us at (352) 504-4560. We serve The Villages and nearby FL areas.