Our eyes are like magical windows that help us explore the awe-inspiring world around us. But what if a problem sneaks into them and steals away our sight slowly – without us even realizing it? Well, that’s what we call Glaucoma – a thief that can slowly take away your precious ability to see!
Glaucoma is an eye condition where increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision. This damage can result in vision loss, which usually starts at the edges and progresses inwards. If you do not pay attention to it and get it treated, it can lead to permanent vision impairment or blindness.
Lall Eye Care 20 20 brings this blog to help you learn all about glaucoma – what it is, how it is caused, what are its symptoms, and the different ways in which you can get it treated by the best glaucoma specialists in Gurgaon. So, without any further delay, let’s jump right into it!
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye problems that harm a special nerve that helps your brain see. This nerve called the optic nerve, takes pictures from your eye and sends them to your brain. It is like a messenger for your eyes and brain to communicate.
Sometimes, there is too much pressure inside your eyes. This pressure can cause glaucoma. An important point to note is that even if the pressure in your eye is normal, glaucoma can still occur. It is not just an issue for older people; even younger folks can get it.
The tricky part about this condition is that many types of glaucoma don’t have any signs that show something’s wrong. The damage happens slowly, so you might not notice your vision changing until it’s pretty bad. That’s why it is always a good idea to get your eyes checked regularly by the best glaucoma specialists in Gurgaon. Its early detection can slow down or stop it completely from making your vision worse.
Now, let us look at the kinds of glaucoma –
Types Of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, such as –
- Open-Angle Glaucoma
It is the most common type of glaucoma which occurs when resistance builds up in your eye’s drainage canals. Let’s break it down – imagine your eye having tiny drains that let out the fluid. In this type, the drains look fine, like they are doing their job, but over time, the fluid stops flowing out properly. Also, it starts building up, pushing against the important nerve in your eye that helps you see.
Plus, this type of glaucoma doesn’t usually cause any warning signs, and it might go unnoticed for a long time. It’s like a silent problem that can slowly affect your vision!
- Closed-angle Glaucoma
Also known as Angle-Closure or Narrow-Angle glaucoma, this is a rare kind that usually appears suddenly. It occurs when the angle between your iris and cornea is too narrow. Sometimes, your pupil gets big quickly, blocking the tiny drains in your eye. This causes the fluid to get trapped, and your eye pressure shoots up.
Unlike the other types we talked about, closed-angle glaucoma often causes noticeable symptoms. This means that you might experience serious eye pain and headaches. So, if it happens, get in touch with the best glaucoma specialists in Gurgaon right away!
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Do you know that in a group of 3 people, every 1 person suffers from optic nerve damage, even if their eye pressure is normal? Well, doctors aren’t entirely sure why this happens, but they call this condition Normal-Tension Glaucoma or sometimes Normal-Pressure Glaucoma. This kind of glaucoma is commonly found in people of Asian descent or Asian Americans.
- Congenital Glaucoma
Some babies are born with a problem in their eye drainage system that doesn’t develop appropriately in the womb. The doctor might notice the symptoms of glaucoma on childbirth, or the signs might show up as the child grows. This kind of glaucoma is also called childhood, infantile, or pediatric glaucoma.
Now, let us check out the signs and symptoms of glaucoma –
Symptoms Of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often referred to as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the condition progresses, certain signs might become apparent. So, keep an eye out for –
- Eye pain or pressure
- Headache
- Rainbow-colored halos around lights
- Low vision
- Blurred vision
- Narrowed vision
- Blind spots
- Nausea
- Redness in the eyes
These symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other eye issues. Hence, you must consult the best glaucoma specialist in Gurgaon for a comprehensive eye examination.
What Are The Risk Factors For Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can affect anyone but the risk goes up as you get older. And, people of Black and Hispanic backgrounds are more prone to glaucoma compared to other groups. They often develop it earlier in life. Similarly, Asian and Inuit populations have a higher vulnerability to Angle-Closure or Closed-Angle Glaucoma.
If you have diabetes, you’re twice as likely to develop glaucoma! Other things that can increase your risk include –
- A family history of glaucoma
- Having trouble seeing things at a distance. This can lead to closed-angle glaucoma.
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or very low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Using corticosteroids for a long time.
- Having trouble seeing things at a close distance. This can lead to open-angle glaucoma.
- A history of eye injury or surgery
So, what are the ways in which you can get this condition treated? Well, the answer lies below –
Treatment Of Glaucoma
While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection, and proper treatment can help manage the condition and slow down its progression. The best glaucoma specialist in Gurgaon might suggest the following treatment options –
- Medications: Eye drops or oral medications to reduce eye pressure.
- Laser Therapy: A non-invasive procedure that helps improve the drainage of fluid from the eye.
- Surgery: In cases where medications and laser therapy aren’t effective, surgical procedures can help lower eye pressure.
Apart from medical interventions, lifestyle choices can also play a role in managing glaucoma. These include –
- Avoiding excessive caffeine,
- Managing stress,
- Maintaining a healthy weight, and
- Regular exercise.
It is important to note that while lifestyle changes can complement medical treatments, they should be discussed with the best glaucoma specialist in Gurgaon before implementation. This will help you reduce any further risks.
To know more about glaucoma and the best ways to deal with it, book an appointment with the best glaucoma specialists in Gurgaon at Lall Eye Care 20 20. We will help you take your first step toward a clearer and brighter tomorrow!