What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the nerve of the eye (optic nerve). This nerve sends pictures from the eye to the brain.
Glaucoma usually happens when the pressure inside the eye is too high, but it can also happen with normal eye pressure.
If glaucoma is not treated early, it can cause permanent loss of vision or blindness.
Why Glaucoma is Dangerous
Glaucoma is dangerous because:
It often has no early warning signs
Vision loss happens slowly
Once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered
That is why glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight.”
Types of Glaucoma
1. Open-Angle Glaucoma
Most common type
Develops slowly
No pain at the beginning
2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Sudden and serious
Causes severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision
Needs urgent medical care
3. Normal-Pressure Glaucoma
Eye pressure is normal, but the optic nerve is damaged
4. Congenital Glaucoma
Present at birth
Affects babies and children
5. Secondary Glaucoma
Caused by eye injury, diabetes, inflammation, or steroid medicines
Symptoms
In early stages, there may be no symptoms.
Later symptoms may include:
Loss of side vision
Blurred vision
Seeing colored rings (halos) around lights
Eye pain or redness
Who is at Risk?
You may have a higher risk if you:
Are over 40 years old
Have a family member with glaucoma
Have diabetes or high blood pressure
Use steroid medicines for a long time
Had an eye injury
Are of African descent
How Glaucoma is Diagnosed
An eye doctor may do:
Eye pressure test
Eye nerve examination
Vision field test
Special eye scans
Treatment
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.
Treatment may include:
Eye drops
Tablets
Laser treatment
Surgery
Regular use of medication and follow-up visits are very important.
Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?
Glaucoma cannot always be prevented, but early detection can save vision.
Regular eye check-ups help find glaucoma before serious damage happens.
Important Message
Early eye check-ups save sight.
Do not wait until vision is lost.