Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic and progressive eye disease that leads to damage of the optic nerve - most often due to elevated intraocular pressure.
The optic nerve transmits information from the eye to the brain - and its damage can lead to permanent loss of vision.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Why is glaucoma dangerous?
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" - because in the early stages it produces no symptoms.
Vision is gradually lost - starting from the periphery - and patients often notice the problem only when the disease has already progressed. Progressive disease means that if left untreated, damage becomes increasingly severe and can result in blindness.
Vision damage caused by glaucoma is permanent and cannot be reversed.
How does glaucoma develop?
The most common cause is elevated intraocular pressure (above 22 mmHg) - but glaucoma can also develop with normal pressure.
Risk factors include:
age over 45
genetic predisposition (positive family history)
myopia (short-sightedness) and hypermetropia (long-sightedness)
diabetes and high blood pressure
retinal diseases (especially central retinal vein occlusion)
long-term use of corticosteroids
Types of glaucoma
Glaucoma can occur in different forms, depending on the cause and the way it occurs, we distinguish:
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Also known as simple glaucoma - the most common form.
It develops slowly and without symptoms, due to a gradual disturbance in the drainage of aqueous humour.
Primary angle-closure glaucoma
Also known as angular glaucoma. A rarer but more serious form.
It can develop suddenly and cause:
severe eye pain
redness
sudden deterioration of vision
nausea
A sudden spike in pressure constitutes an acute glaucoma attack - which requires immediate medical attention.
Secondary glaucoma
Develops as a consequence of other eye diseases, injuries, or treatments such as:
eye injuries
inflammation
diabetes (neovascular glaucoma)
long-term use of medications
Congenital glaucoma
Occurs in newborns and young children. A rare but serious condition that requires early detection and treatment.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
In early stages:
most often no symptoms
In advanced stages:
narrowing of the visual field
"tunnel vision"
reduced vision
In the acute form, symptoms are sudden and pronounced.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is detected during a comprehensive examination that includes:
Regular check-ups are essential - the disease can go without symptoms for a long time - especially if you belong to one of the risk groups.
How is glaucoma treated?
The goal of treatment is to stop or slow the progression of the disease.
Treatment may include:
Eye drop therapy - the primary goal is to control intraocular pressure
Laser procedures (SLT and YAG iridotomy) - improve the drainage of aqueous humour
Surgical treatment - applied when other methods are not sufficient
Why are regular check-ups important?
Glaucoma can only be detected through examination. People over 40 are recommended to have their intraocular pressure and visual field checked regularly - or sooner if they belong to one of the risk groups.
It is important to note that damage that has already occurred cannot be reversed - but further progression of the disease can be prevented, thereby preserving vision.
Frequently asked questions
If I have glaucoma, how long will I use eye drops?
In most cases, permanently. Eye drops for glaucoma control intraocular pressure but do not treat the underlying cause. If treatment is stopped, pressure returns and the disease continues to progress. Regular use of treatment - even when there are no symptoms - is key to preserving vision.
Can glaucoma develop with normal intraocular pressure?
Yes - and this is important to know. There is a form in which damage to the optic nerve occurs despite pressure values within the normal range. For this reason, pressure alone is not the only indicator - a complete examination including analysis of the optic nerve and visual field is required.
Your peripheral vision can be preserved.
With regular treatment and monitoring, disease progression can be stopped and peripheral vision preserved - schedule an examination.