What does glaucoma look like?

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it is majorly seen in people with optic nerve damage. It is an umbrella term for the diseases that make the pressure build up inside the eye balls which can damage the delicate and critical parts at the back of your eye. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of the sight” because it develops without any visible symptoms. But the bigger question is “What does glaucoma look like?” If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with glaucoma or is at risk understanding how it works is essential. 

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve-it is the part of the eye responsible for sending visual signals to your brain. Any damage to the optic nerve can cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is the second highest cause of blindness worldwide. 

What causes glaucoma?

The cause of primary glaucoma is generally unidentifiable but the cause of secondary glaucoma is majorly trauma, other illness or medications. One of the basic causes of glaucoma is the blockage to the drainage system of the eye; it feels like something is getting in the way of your eyes and eventually there is buildup of pressure. Trauma can occur as a result of injury as an accident, eye surgery or laser treatment. Several factors may contribute to glaucoma, including:

• Eye injuries and trauma
• Previous eye surgery
• Long term steroid use
• Autoimmune diseases that cause eye inflammation
• Diabetes and vascular defects
• Family history of glaucoma

Certain autoimmune conditions cause inflammation in the body including the eyes. The inflammation clogs the drainage apparatus and causes buildup of pressure. Hypertension, cardiovascular conditions and diabetes do not cause glaucoma directly but if left untreated, abnormal eye vessels can grow in the eye and close the drainage off. In such conditions, the eye pressure can be extremely high and lead to vision loss if not treated. 

Symptoms of glaucoma

The symptoms of glaucoma in eyes are often not seen. There are little to no symptoms of primary open-angle glaucoma. This is the reason half of the Americans are unaware of the fact that they are suffering from glaucoma. Below is the list of  symptoms that can be seen:

• Open angle glaucoma

This type is painless and progresses very slowly. In the early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms but in the later stages, symptoms like gradual loss of peripheral vision can be seen. The peripheral vision loss can progress to tunnel vision loss. 

• Acute angle closure glaucoma

The symptoms that can be seen in such types are intense, sudden eye pain and headache, halos around the lights, sudden blurred visions, red eyes, nausea or vomiting. If you experience these symptoms immediate medical help should be seeked. 

• Glaucoma in infants

Symptoms of glaucoma in the eyes of infants can be cloudy or dull-looking eyes, unexplained or excessive tearing without crying, increased blinking and unusual light sensitivity, eye rubbing, e tc.  

How is glaucoma treated?

Once the optic nerve is damaged, it is quite difficult to reverse it by glasses or any other intervention. There are surgery, lasers and surgical options available to stop further damage. The type of surgery your physician recommends depends on the type and severity of your glaucoma. Few of the options for glaucoma treatment are:

• Laser treatment 

Ophthalmologists often recommend laser surgery for glaucoma before incisional surgery unless the eye  pressure is very high or the optic nerve is badly damaged. A focused beam of light is used to treat the eye’s trabecular meshwork i.e. the eye’s drainage system. This helps increase the flow of fluid out of the eye. 

• Incisional surgery

Incisional surgery is the one where a drainage hole is created with a small surgical tool. This new opening allows the intraocular fluid to bypass through the clogged drainage canal and flow out of the new, artificial drainage canal. 

• Conventional surgery

Conventional surgery for glaucoma includes trabeculectomy or aqueous shunts. 

Trabeculectomy surgery is the one where a tiny opening is made in the sclera with a little surgical tool. This new opening allows the intraocular fluid to bypass through the clogged drainage canals and directly flow out of this new opening. This procedure requires stitches and the recovery period is usually a few weeks. It is still considered as a golden standard in glaucoma surgery. 

Aqueous shunt surgery is the one in which a tiny tube is implanted that drains the fluid out of the eyes. This surgery also requires stitches and the recovery period is a few weeks. 

Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. While there is no cure for the condition, effective management can preserve your remaining vision. The following are the treatment options other than surgeries:

• Eye drops

Eye drops are the first line of treatment for treating glaucoma. Most people look for the best eye drops for glaucoma and find Dorzox Eye Drop 2% (5 ml) quite beneficial. It reduces intraocular pressure by enhancing aqueous humor outflow. It must be used consistently. 

• Oral medications

In some cases, physicians might prescribe oral medications alongside eye drops to provide additional pressure control. 

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Since glaucoma often develops without symptoms, regular eye examinations is one of the major diagnosis methods for early detection. An ophthalmologist may suggest several tests, including:

• Tonometry

This test measures intraocular pressure and helps identify elevated pressure levels that may increase glaucoma risk. 

• Optic nerve examination

The optic nerve damage is carefully examined for signs of damage or thinning. 

• Visual field test

This test measures peripheral vision and can detect blind spots caused by glaucoma. 

• Optical coherence tomography 

OCT uses advanced imaging technology to evaluate the thickness of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer. 

• Gonioscopy

Gonioscopy is the one that helps to detect whether the drainage angle of the eye is open or closed which is extremely important for determining the type of glaucoma. 

Can glaucoma be prevented?

There is currently no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma but early diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision loss. You can help your eyesight by:

• Scheduling routine comprehensive eye exams
• Monitoring eye pressure if you are at a risk
• Managing diabetes and blood pressure 
• Wearing protective eyewear during sports and hazardous activities
• Following treatment plan as prescribed

Individuals above the age of 40, one with a family history of glaucoma, people with diabetes and high blood pressure should be vigilant about regular eye screening. 

Final Thoughts

So, what does glaucoma look like? In many cases, it looks like nothing at all- at least in the beginning. That’s what makes the condition dangerous. While early glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms, the disease can gradually steal your vision and permanently damage the optic nerves. 

The good news is that timely diagnosis and proper treatment can help preserve vision. Regular eye examinations remain the best protection against glaucoma. Early action can make all the difference in protecting your sight.