Glaucoma is the second major cause for blindness in the world. Even though it is a preventable condition, catching the condition early makes treatment easier. If detected late, there is no cure for the condition. Here is a quick read on what glaucoma is and its types from experts at Orbis India.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition which occurs when internal fluid pressure in a patient s eyes increase, impairing vision by constricting the optic nerves. A fluid Aqueous humor is generated in our eye. Excess fluid passes out of the eyeball under normal circumstances. If for some reason there is an obstruction or damage to the passage, the fluid pressure in the eye increases. This ultimately leads to glaucoma. Read more about glaucoma treatment know what to expect once you are diagnosed
What are the types of Glaucoma?
There are various types of gluacoma, here are some of the most common ones.
How can you prevent glaucoma?
Congenital and glaucoma from birth
A defect in the passage that allows internal eye fluid to pass through the eye may lead to increased internal pressure resulting in bulging eyes (OX eye). This leads to defects in the cornea. The only way to treat this is through surgery.
Increase of fluid inside the eye occurs without one realizing. This is detected when patient goes for a simple eye check and is usually seen beyond the age of 40. The eye pressure can be contained by medication. If the situation arises, the doctor may suggest surgery. If the patient suffers from asthma, breathing difficulties, heart ailments or high blood pressure then doctor should be informed of the ailments as they can significantly change the outcome of the treatment.
Closed angled glaucoma
This occurs when the patient experiences a sudden rise in one's internal eye pressure. This leads to various difficulties such as pain, redness of the eyes, nausea and is an emergency situation. The patient is first treated medically to reduce eye pressure and then operated upon to help heal the eye.
Secondary glaucoma
This usually occurs due to some other problem relating to the eye such as cataract, iritis or a hemorrhage inside the eye. In situations such as this the patient is first medically treated to repair the damage followed by treatment for the actual cause of the increased pressure. (Read: Medicines for glaucoma dosage, side effects, contraindications and precautions)
ORBIS is a non-aligned, non-profit global development organization whose mission is to preserve and restore sight by strengthening the capacity of local partners in their efforts to prevent and treat blindness. ORBIS works to establish comprehensive, affordable, accessible and sustainable eye care services. ORBIS is committed to assisting and treating children for the control, prevention and treatment of avoidable childhood blindness. It works in developing countries to save sight worldwide. ORBIS prevents and treats blindness through hands-on training, public health education, improved access to quality eye care and partnerships with local health care organizations.
Photo source: Getty images
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