Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of permanent blindness in the world. It often occurs when the fluid in the eye is unable to escape and the pressure in the eyeballs increases beyond normal, causing irreversible nerve damage. The most common types of glaucoma are acute closed-angle glaucoma, which develops when the angle between the iris and cornea closes and prevents proper drainage of the aqueous humor, and open-angle glaucoma, when drainage channels (the trabeculae) become obstructed over time, thereby increasing intraocular pressure. Recognizing the symptoms of these two types of glaucoma, as well as teaching what the risk factors are, can help you find the right treatments and avoid further eye damage, which could lead to blindness.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing Open Angle Glaucoma
Step 1. Get regular eye exams
Open-angle glaucoma leads to gradual deterioration of vision over a long period, usually years. Most people with this disorder do not experience symptoms until the glaucoma has reached a very advanced stage and nerve damage has occurred.
- Since this disease develops so slowly and steadily, it is important to have annual eye exams, especially if you are over 40 or have glaucoma in your family.
- Open-angle (or primary) glaucoma is the most common type; in the United States alone it affects about four million people.
- Know that nerve damage is permanent. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition, and once symptoms have manifested, the damage to the optic nerve is extensive. Although the ophthalmologist is able to slow down this decline process, it is not possible to regain lost vision.
Step 2. Pay attention to "blind spots"
As optic nerve fibers atrophy, blind spots (scotomas) appear in the visual field. The name of this symptom itself is very explanatory: there are areas of the visual field where you don't see. Eventually, the nerve damage becomes so extensive that you lose your sight completely.
If you notice scotomas, speak to your doctor immediately
Step 3. Look out for loss of peripheral or lateral vision
When you suffer from open-angle glaucoma, the width of the visual field is reduced; objects along the edges of the visual field become less and less clear and defined. As glaucoma worsens, the field of vision narrows and the patient is only able to see straight ahead.
The result of this progression is a tubular view
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of Acute Closed Angle Glaucoma
Step 1. Observe if your vision suddenly blurs
The sudden and unexpected onset of this disorder could be a symptom of acute narrow-angle glaucoma: you notice that your vision is usually blurry and the things you look at don't appear sharp.
It could also be a normal deterioration of vision, nearsightedness or farsightedness; go to the ophthalmologist immediately if you notice sudden changes in your vision
Step 2. Watch out for sudden nausea and vomiting
If you are having an acute narrow-angle glaucoma attack, you quickly begin to feel nauseous and vomit. The increase in intraocular pressure causes dizziness and therefore nausea.
If you start experiencing persistent stomach upsets and vomiting, see your doctor
Step 3. Look for the presence of auras or iridescent halos
You may notice very vivid auras or multicolored (rainbow-like) circles surrounding the light sources. This phenomenon is due to the increase in eye pressure which distorts vision and can appear suddenly.
Such symptoms can appear when the lights are dim or dark
Step 4. Check if your eyes are red
Redness is a very common disorder and is the result of the dilation of the blood vessels in the eye, which causes the sclera (the white part of the eye) to turn red. However, if you are suffering from an acute glaucoma attack, your blood vessels may swell due to the increased intraocular pressure.
If you notice redness accompanied by any other symptoms, contact your doctor immediately
Step 5. Check for headache and eye pain
During the early stages of an acute glaucoma attack, you may experience generalized discomfort or sore eyes; if left untreated, the rising pressure can trigger severe pain, as well as an intense headache.
If you experience severe eye pain accompanied by headaches and other symptoms, go to the emergency room right away
Step 6. Tell your doctor about sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
In the advanced stages of this condition, you may complain of loss of vision; this symptom is the result of damage to the optic nerve due to excessive pressure.
If you've lost your sight, see your doctor right away
Part 3 of 3: Understanding the Causes and Risk Factors
Step 1. Know that your family's medical history may be causing the problem
Unfortunately, glaucoma, especially primary glaucoma, is often of genetic origin; if any member of your family suffers from it, you run a greater risk of suffering from it too.
If you are familiar with glaucoma, have regular eye exams to monitor for onset of the disease. although it is inevitable, it is possible to slow its onset
Step 2. Remember that age is a risk factor
Individuals over the age of 50 are more likely to develop this eye condition. As you age, your body gradually loses the ability to regulate normal functions, such as controlling intraocular pressure.
If you are over 40, remember to go to the ophthalmologist regularly to check your vision and any signs of glaucoma
Step 3. Ethnicity also plays an important role in this disease
In the United States, for example, the incidence of glaucoma is five times higher among the African American population than among other ethnic groups. The reason for this is still unknown, but there is some evidence that points to genetic factors. Environmental issues, such as nutrition and access to medical care, also affect this disorder.
African American people over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and within this group, women are more affected than men
Step 4. Know that diabetes also has some influence
A recent study found that diabetics are 35% more likely to develop glaucoma; the reason may be partly because diabetes damages the retinal blood vessels, causing irreversible nerve damage.
If you are diabetic, tell your ophthalmologist so that they can check your intraocular pressure or any changes in the optic nerve
Step 5. Be aware that refractive errors can cause glaucoma
Myopia and hyperopia can both be indicators of glaucoma; the reason may be the shape of the eye and its inability to properly drain the aqueous humor.
Step 6. Steroids or cortisone can lead to disease
Patients who use it regularly and who systematically apply eye drops or steroid creams are more likely to develop glaucoma in the long term; when used for a long time, steroid eye drops increase intraocular pressure.
If you have been prescribed these medicines, strictly follow your doctor's instructions and undergo regular eye examinations
Step 7. Know that trauma or eye surgery can also increase the risk
Past injuries or operations involving the eyes can damage the optic nerve and impair the drainage of the aqueous humor. Some of the eye problems are retinal detachment, eye tumors or uveitis; complications from surgery can also lead to glaucoma.
