Eye Glaucoma - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve in the eye. This nerve is responsible for sending and receiving information from the retina to the brain and is what causes us to see. The front portion of the eye is protected by a fluid known as the aqueous humor that circulates around the inner eye. The trabecular meshwork of the eye is responsible for draining this liquid from the eye. A malfunctioning of this drainage structure because of blockage or some other reason causes liquid to build up inside the eye. After a while this liquid build up causes pressure on the optic nerve resulting in partial blindness and if left untreated it could lead to complete blindness. There are a number of different types of glaucoma, such as, Open Angle, Acute Angle Closure, Secondary Glaucoma, and Congenital glaucoma.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Symptoms of glaucoma are rarely noticeable. It is therefore called the ‘sneak thief of sight’. Prevention through early detection is the only effective way of avoiding this condition from worsening. However, some forms of glaucoma do exhibit some symptoms, such as: sudden decrease of vision, severe eye pain, headache, queasiness, sensitivity to light, and enlargement of the cornea among others.

Treatment for Glaucoma

Before treatment can be given, an eye examination is needed to determine the type of glaucoma and its cause. The doctor will look for cupping of the optic nerve. Treatment mostly focuses on reducing the pressure on the optic nerve by releasing the build up of aqueous humor. This is mostly done through a combination of eye drop medications. Some of the commonly administered eye drops contain beta blockers which decrease the formation of aqueous humor. Over the years, these drops have proved quite successful in treating glaucoma. They have to be used twice every day to be effective; however, these drugs have side effects that include fatigue, worsening of asthma, impotence, among others. Drugs like alpha 2 agonists reduce fluid production, while increasing the outflow or drainage. These are used two to three times a day. Oral medication includes Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in the form of pills. These are used to reduce swelling caused by fluid retention. Parasympathomimetic agents constrict the pupils and work by opposing adrenalin-like substances and increasing outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. However, some of the side effects of these drops include blurred vision, retinal detachment, and pain in the brow. Other options to treat glaucoma include laser treatment or traditional surgery to create new channels for fluid outflow.