Understanding Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a complex group of eye conditions that lead to progressive damage of the optic nerve—the vital link that carries visual information from your eye to your brain. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” it typically develops without noticeable symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred.
1. High Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
The front of the eye is filled with a clear fluid called aqueous humor. In a healthy eye, this fluid drains out through a mesh-like channel. If this channel is blocked or the eye produces too much fluid, the pressure inside the eye (IOP) increases, eventually crushing the delicate nerve fibers of the optic nerve
2. Gradual Peripheral Vision Loss
Unlike many other eye conditions, glaucoma usually affects your side (peripheral) vision first. Because the brain is excellent at compensating for small “blind spots,” most patients do not realize they are losing sight until the disease is in its advanced stages and central vision begins to fade.
“Early detection is the only way to prevent permanent vision loss from Glaucoma. Once sight is stolen by this condition, medical science cannot yet bring it back.
Medical Director, Aram Speciality Care
Because vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, early detection through regular eye exams is the only way to preserve your sight. A comprehensive exam can detect increased pressure years before you notice a change in your vision.
Symptoms of Glaucoma:
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. For example:
- Open-angle glaucoma: Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: Severe headache, eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights.
This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—take the first step toward lifelong eye health by booking your specialist consultation today.
