What is Glaucoma? | Definition or Meaning of Glaucoma

The word glaucoma means “hard eyeball”. Glaucoma is the name for a group of diseases that can destroy the optic nerve, the main nerve of the eye.

In other words, it is a sight-threatening disorder marked by an increase in intraocular pressure. Glaucoma affects our eyesight gradually. There are two types of glaucoma, open angle and closed angle. Open-angle glaucoma, which accounts for 90% of all cases, is a slow, progressive disease.

Closed-angle glaucoma is relatively uncommon and is characterized by rapid and extreme elevations of IOP, often causing acute symptoms such as sever eye pain and rapid blurring of vision.
All types of glaucoma occur as a result of damage to the optic nerve which is caused by raised pressure in the eye.
Causes: Glaucoma usually occurs when fluid in the eye builds up, causing higher pressure than the eye can withstand. The primary cause of open-angle glaucoma appears to be an excessive buildup of aqueous humor, increasing IOP. When IOP remains elevated or continues to raise, fibers in the optic nerve are compressed and destroyed, leading to a gradual loss of vision over a period of years. A family history of visual-field loss due to glaucoma increases the risk of optic nerve damage. The use of inhaled steroids or nasal sprays with steroids appears to increase the risk of open-angle glaucoma. Closed-angle glaucoma is caused by a sudden blockage near the iris that prevents aqueous humor from reaching the trabecular meshwork.
Other causes may include trauma, genetic disorders and low blood flow to the optic nerve.
Signs and Symptoms:
Many people will not experience any symptoms and their sight may seem perfectly normal. This is why it is important to have regular eye tests to check for glaucoma, especially as you get older.
Acute glaucoma, when the fluid in the eye becomes completely blocked, can be painful as an attack comes on very quickly. There may also be nausea, vomiting and headache. Sever glaucoma usually appears as a red and painful eye. Facial pain, headache, blurry vision, rainbow-colored holes around lights, nausea and vomiting may also be signs of closed-angle glaucoma.
Treatment: Glaucoma is a chromic disorder that cannot be cured. Open-angle glaucoma can often be treated safely and effectively by medical or surgical measures, through lifelong therapy is almost always necessary. Medications are nearly always used first. However, initial surgery is becoming a more common option.
Eye drops are the most frequent medical treatment for glaucoma because they have fewer overall side effects than oral medication. Eye drops are used to reduce eye pressure by either increasing the eye’s ability to drain or by decreasing the amount of fluid it produces. If you notice any side effects from any drops you use, contact your doctor. There are six different types of medications that are administered to the eye to treat glaucoma.
Beta-blockers, Alpha-stimulators, Miotics and epinephrine are leading medicines for glaucoma.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor pills are generally used when optic nerve damage continues or seems highly likely despite maximal optical treatment. These pills are usually used to decrease fluid production. Vitamin C-an antioxidant available in supplement form also abundent in citrus, berries, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables. It may help reduce eye pressure and benefit people with glaucoma.
Prevention: In most people, glaucoma cannot be prevented. However, regular screening may help to identify people either with early stages of the disease. Control your weight and blood pressure. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when you use power tools or play high-speed rackets ports on enclosed courts, or other wise risk being hit in the eye.