Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve. It is also commonly referred to as “green cataract.” The damage to the optic nerve is caused by elevated intraocular pressure. The eye produces a fluid (aqueous humor) to nourish the cornea and the lens. This aqueous humor leaves your eye unnoticed through a drainage system located at the border between the white of the eye and the colored part of your eye, the iris. If this drainage system isn’t working properly, the aqueous humor has a harder time draining, and the pressure inside your eye increases. Aqueous humor is different from tear fluid, which is found on the outside of your eye.

The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown, but there are factors that increase the risk of developing glaucoma:

• Intraocular pressure: The higher the intraocular pressure, the greater the risk of damage to the optic nerve. Normal intraocular pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg.
• Family History: If glaucoma runs in your family, your risk of developing glaucoma is nearly 10 times higher.
• Age: The older you are, the greater your risk of glaucoma.
• Abnormalities of blood vessels in or near the eye.
• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness.
• Ethnicity: People of color are more likely to have glaucoma.

Glaucoma often develops gradually and usually causes no obvious symptoms in the early stages. People often don’t notice anything until their vision has already been affected. That’s why regular eye exams are important, especially if you have risk factors, such as a family history of glaucoma or diabetes.

Glaucoma is diagnosed through a combination of the following tests:

• Eye Pressure Measurement: Eye pressure (intraocular pressure) is an important indicator of glaucoma. During an eye exam, the ophthalmologist measures your eye pressure using a tonometer. Elevated eye pressure may indicate glaucoma, but not always.
• Visual Field Test: A visual field test assesses your field of vision. You stare at a screen and indicate when you see flashes of light. Abnormalities in the visual field may indicate glaucoma.
• Optic Nerve Examination: The ophthalmologist examines the optic nerve using an ophthalmoscope. In cases of glaucoma, changes in the optic nerve may be visible, such as an enlarged cup (the depression in the center of the optic nerve).
• Gonioscopy: During gonioscopy, the ophthalmologist examines the drainage angle of the eye. This helps assess the drainage of aqueous humor. A narrow drainage angle may indicate glaucoma.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): OCT is an imaging technique that produces cross-sectional images of the retina. It helps in evaluating the optic nerve and the retina. In cases of glaucoma, changes in the optic nerve may be visible.

Glaucoma treatment is tailored to the individual and depends on the severity of the condition:

• Eye drops: Eye drops are often the first step in treating glaucoma. These medications help lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve. It is important to use the prescribed drops regularly, following your ophthalmologist’s instructions.
• Laser treatment: Laser treatment can be used to reduce intraocular pressure.
• Surgical Procedures: If eye drops and laser treatment are not enough, surgery may be necessary. Some common treatments include:
  • Trabeculectomy: This procedure involves creating a new drainage channel to lower intraocular pressure.
  • Drainage implants: Small tubes are inserted into the eye to drain excess fluid.

Regardless of the treatment, it is very important to see your ophthalmologist regularly. This allows your glaucoma to be monitored and any necessary adjustments to your treatment to be made.

Sometimes, glaucoma can cause you to lose some or all of your vision in one eye. You’ll face new challenges. On this website, you’ll find, among other things, tips for people who see with only one eye, information about ocular prostheses and eye removal surgeries, and the emotional challenges you may face.

Living with glaucoma requires, above all, adaptation and patience. With the right information and support, you can continue to carry out your daily activities.

Read about other people’s experiences with glaucoma in our library. You can also join our WhatsApp community and select the general group.