Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, often linked to high intraocular pressure. It is one of the leading causes of blindness, especially in people over 60. On this page you will find the main information to understand it and know when to see an ophthalmologist.
Note: Glaucoma is known as "the silent thief of sight" because it can progress without obvious symptoms until damage is irreversible. For a diagnosis, always consult an ophthalmologist.
Types of glaucoma
- Open-angle glaucoma: the most common form, it develops gradually and painlessly.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: rare but serious, it can cause intense pain and rapid loss of vision.
- Normal-tension glaucoma: eye pressure is normal, but the optic nerve is still damaged.
- Congenital glaucoma: rare, it appears at birth or in the first years of life.
Symptoms of glaucoma
In the most common form there are no symptoms at first. Over time the following may appear:
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
Warning: sudden, intense eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision, headache, nausea or vomiting can be signs of acute glaucoma. It is an emergency: go to an eye emergency department immediately.
Risk factors
- Age over 60
- Family history of glaucoma
- High intraocular pressure
- Conditions such as diabetes or high myopia
How glaucoma develops
The eye contains a fluid called aqueous humour, which supports the functioning of the tissues and maintains the volume of the eyeball. Aqueous humour is continuously produced and drained: if it builds up, the internal pressure rises and compresses the optic nerve, progressively damaging the nerve cells of the retina.
Treatments for glaucoma
Treatments, prescribed by an ophthalmologist, aim to lower intraocular pressure:
- Eye drops: the most common first treatment to control pressure.
- Laser: techniques such as trabeculoplasty to improve drainage.
- Surgery: in more severe cases.
Glaucoma is treated with the therapies prescribed by the ophthalmologist, which must never be stopped or replaced. Any use of food supplements must always be assessed and agreed with your ophthalmologist.
The importance of check-ups
Since it causes no symptoms at first, the best way to detect glaucoma in time is a visit to the ophthalmologist including eye pressure measurement: every year after 40, and even more so if there are cases of glaucoma in your family.
How we can help
At Ottica Paoletti you will find information on eye health and (non-diagnostic) eye tests: if we notice something that deserves further investigation, we will advise you to see an ophthalmologist.
Or call us on 0438 83409.