Glaucoma involves various eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries information from your eye to your brain. This damage is typically caused by abnormally high pressure inside your eye, and without early treatment, it may lead to gradual vision loss. Here are the different forms of glaucoma to help you understand their progression and management:
Closed Angle
Acute closed-angle glaucoma happens when the drainage angle becomes completely blocked, and this causes a rapid and severe spike in eye pressure. Because of this blockage, the eye’s internal fluid cannot circulate properly. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.
Symptoms of an acute attack are sudden and severe, and they can include:
- Intense eye pain
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
Open Angle
Open-angle glaucoma is one type that develops slowly over many years. The drainage angle in the eye, where internal fluid drains, and it becomes less efficient over time. This inefficiency leads to a gradual increase in eye pressure.
Since the pressure rises slowly and there are typically no early symptoms, many people are unaware they have the condition until significant vision loss has occurred. It may be called the silent type because its symptoms are so subtle in the early stages. Regular eye exams are helpful, as they can detect changes in eye pressure and optic nerve health.
The optic nerve sustains damage as the pressure inside the eye increases. Since this form of glaucoma typically affects peripheral vision first, you might not notice changes right away. Central vision typically remains unaffected until the later stages, and regular eye exams are the best way to detect it early.
Normal Tension
Normal-tension glaucoma is a condition in which optic nerve damage occurs despite intraocular pressure within the normal range. The exact cause is not fully understood, but some believe a sensitive optic nerve or reduced blood flow to the nerve may be contributing factors. Because eye pressure is not elevated, diagnosis can be more challenging.
Detecting this condition relies on observing changes to the optic nerve, and this can occur during an eye exam. Your doctor will look for signs of damage despite normal pressure readings. Management typically focuses on lowering eye pressure to a level that prevents further nerve damage, even if it is already in the normal range.
Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma is a rare condition that occurs in infants and young children, and it is caused by incorrect development of the eye’s drainage system before birth. This developmental issue leads to increased intraocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.
Check for:
- Cloudy eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Light sensitivity
- Enlarged eye appearance
Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to preserve the child’s vision, so you should speak with a doctor. Treatment for this condition involves surgical intervention to help reduce the intraocular pressure. Regular follow-up appointments are needed to monitor the child’s progress.
Pigmentary Glaucoma
Pigmentary glaucoma is a form of secondary open-angle glaucoma that often affects younger, nearsighted individuals. Pigment granules from the back of the iris flake off and clog the eye’s drainage system. This blockage increases eye pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time.
Get Treated for Glaucoma
Understanding the type of glaucoma you have is the first step toward managing the condition. Different types require different approaches, but the goal is always to protect your vision by controlling eye pressure. If you are experiencing any changes in your vision or have risk factors for glaucoma, schedule an appointment with an eye care professional.
