Glaucoma: what is it, symptoms and treatment

Glaucoma is a condition in the eyes that is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure or by a weakness of the optic nerve, which can be asymptomatic, as is the case of open-angle glaucoma, or cause symptoms such as pain and swelling in the eyes , which is the case of narrow-angle glaucoma.

When eye tension increases, death of optic nerve cells begins, which can lead to blindness if not treated properly from the start, when the first symptoms appear. Glaucoma occurs when the intraocular pressure, when inside the eye, is above 21 mmHg, this being the normal value.

For this reason, it is important that in case of doubt, go to the ophthalmologist to carry out the corresponding exams and start the most appropriate treatment, in order to prevent loss of vision.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Some of the main symptoms that may indicate high intraocular pressure in eyes are:

• Intense pain in the eyes and around the eyes;
• Headache;
• Enrojecimiento en el ojo;
• Vision problems;
• Difficulty focusing on the darkness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Increase of the black part of the eye, also known as the pupil, the size of the eyes;
• Blurry and empañada vision;
• Observation of arches around the lights;
• Decreased peripheral vision.

These are some of the general symptoms that may indicate the presence of glaucoma, however, the symptoms differ a little depending on the type of glaucoma present and those that are more common rarely cause symptoms.

Symptoms of Glaucoma in the Baby

Symptoms of congenital glaucoma are present in children who were born with this condition and white eyes, sensitivity to light and increased eyes are generally observed.

Congenital glaucoma can be diagnosed up to 3 years of life, but it can be identified after birth, without embargo, the most common is that it is discovered between 6 months and the first year of life. Your treatment can be done with eye drops to lower the internal pressure of the eye, but the main treatment is the surgery.

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main causes

High pressure in the eyes arises when there is an imbalance between the production of eye fluid and its drainage, which leads to an accumulation of fluid inside the eye, which ends up increasing intraocular pressure. High pressure or glaucoma can have different causes, which include:

• Family history of glaucoma;
• Excessive production of eye fluid;
• Obstruction of the eye drainage system, which allows the elimination of liquid. This problem can also be known from an open angle;
• Prolonged or exaggerated use of prednisone or dexamethasone;
• Trauma in the eye caused by blows, bleeding, eye tumor or inflammation for example;
• Performing eye surgery, especially for the treatment of cataracts.

Furthermore, glaucoma can also appear in people over 60 years of age, who suffer from arterial hypertension or axial myopia.

How is the diagnosis performed?

In general, the diagnosis of glaucoma can be carried out through a complete ophthalmological exam carried out by the doctor, which will include a Tonometry, an exam that allows measuring the pressure inside the eye. As the majority of cases of glaucoma do not cause symptoms, it is recommended to carry out this eye exam at least once a year, especially after 40 years of age.

In addition, high pressure in the eyes can also cause scleritis, a chronic inflammation of the sclera that is a thin layer that covers the white part of the eye, which can cause long-term blindness.

How is the treatment performed?

In general, the treatment for the increase of the intraocular pressure is indicated by the ophthalmologist, who can prescribe the use of drops or medicines that help to reduce the blood pressure in the eyes.

In some cases, the doctor may indicate the performance of laser treatments or eye surgery, especially when other treatments do not have the desired effect, or when there are other associated diseases such as diabetes, for example, however, all this will depend on where the cause of the pressure increase.