Glaucoma: Prevalence, Symptoms And Treatment
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a common and serious eye condition that occurs when the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, becomes damaged. This damage is usually a result of increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP), caused by the build-up of fluid in the eye. When the drainage system of the eye is not functioning properly, fluid accumulates, causing pressure to rise. Over time, this pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to progressive vision loss.
If left untreated, glaucoma can result in irreversible blindness. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing or slowing down vision loss. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Types Of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, each with different causes and characteristics:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage channels in the eye become clogged over time, causing gradual pressure build-up. It progresses slowly and often without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is a less common but more urgent type. It occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes suddenly blocked. This can lead to a rapid increase in eye pressure, causing severe pain and sudden vision loss.
- Secondary Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma develops as a result of another eye condition, such as inflammation, trauma, or tumours, or due to medication (such as steroids).
- Childhood (Congenital) Glaucoma: This is a rare form of glaucoma that affects infants and young children. It could be caused by abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.
Causes Of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can result from a variety of underlying factors:
- Increased intraocular pressure: The build-up of fluid in the eye leads to elevated pressure, which damages the optic nerve.
- Optic nerve damage: Progressive damage to the optic nerve from pressure or poor blood flow can lead to loss of vision.
- Age: People over 60 are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Family history: Having relatives with glaucoma significantly increases the risk of developing the disease.
- Existing medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease increase the risk of glaucoma.
Symptoms Of Glaucoma
The symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. In the early stages, particularly with open-angle glaucoma, there may be no noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, the following signs may appear:
- Blurred vision: This involves gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision that may go unnoticed until the central vision is affected.
- Severe eye pain: This is more common in acute angle-closure glaucoma.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches may occur, especially in cases of acute glaucoma.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms often accompany acute angle-closure glaucoma due to the sudden rise in eye pressure.
- Rings or halos around lights: A common symptom due to the increased pressure and corneal swelling, which distorts vision.
Prevalence Of Glaucoma In The UK
Glaucoma is a widespread condition in the UK, particularly among older adults. As far as prevalence goes, the statistics are damning.
Data shows that there are an estimated 1.39 million people in the UK living with Ocular Hypertension, high pressure inside the eye which increases the risk of Glaucoma. Research also points to the fact that at least 708,000 people in the UK are currently living with Glaucoma.
It has been predicted that the number of people living with glaucoma in the UK will increase by around 18% in the next 10 years. Further analysis reveals that 10% of people who go blind in the UK do so through Glaucoma. This condition affects approximately 4% of the population aged above 50 years old in the UK.
Treatment For Glaucoma
The key to protecting your sight from Glaucoma is early detection and immediate treatment. Glaucoma is detected through comprehensive eye exams that include measuring intraocular pressure, assessing the optic nerve, and evaluating the visual field.
While glaucoma cannot be cured, treatments are available to slow the progression of the disease, protect the optic nerve, and prevent vision loss. The main goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP).
These treatment methods include:
- Medication
- Laser Therapy
- Surgery
Which Surgery Is Most Suitable For Individuals With Glaucoma?
In general, laser eye surgery is not recommended for individuals with glaucoma because these procedures can potentially affect intraocular pressure, which is a significant concern in managing glaucoma.
More suitable surgical options for glaucoma patients include:
- Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE): In RLE, the eye's natural lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to improve vision, unlike LASIK or PRK which reshape the cornea.
- Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL): This refers to Implantable Collamer Lens and the surgical procedure that involves implanting the thin, biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct refractive errors. Unlike other types of eye surgery like LASIK or PRK, ICL surgery doesn't require the removal of corneal tissue.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo any vision correction procedure when diagnosed with glaucoma requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified eye care professional who can assess the risks and benefits based on the individual's specific eye health and the severity of their glaucoma. Always consult with your eye care provider to determine the most appropriate and safe options for vision correction if you have glaucoma.
If you have any questions regarding glaucoma and the treatments available at Optimax, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are more than happy to discuss queries with you over the phone (0800 093 1110) or email (enquiry@optimax.co.uk).