What are the Causes of Glaucoma and Is there any Treatment Options?

What are the Causes of Glaucoma and Is there any Treatment Options?









Glaucoma Causes

There are two types of glaucoma.

Acute Glaucoma

• This is an ocular condition in which the access to the trabecular meshwork and the canal of Schlemm become obstructed. This leads to the loss of the progressive visual field, and eventually leads to blindness.


• The blockage results in the accumulation of aqueous humor.

Chronic Glaucoma

• This is mainly due to an increase in the intraocular pressure, degeneration of the optic nerve, and visual field loss. Most cases of glaucoma are chronic.


• Because of degenerative causes accompanying aging, obstruction occurs in the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm.
  
  
  The fluid cannot be emptied effectively from the anterior chamber, which then increases the intraocular pressure.


• The risk increases with diabetes, hypertension, and family history.

Glaucoma Symptoms

Acute Glaucoma

• Pain. A dull pain in and around the eyes is experienced due to an increase in ocular pressure. It may be due to transitory attacks.


• Halos. Rainbows of color are seen around lights.


• Blurred vision. Vision becomes either cloudy or hazy.


• Nausea and Vomiting.


• Hazy cornea. This is due to formation of corneal edema.

Chronic Glaucoma

The intraocular pressure usually depends on activity. Some have elevated intraocular pressure without causing optic nerve damage.


Other conditions exhibit visual field defects and optic damage with just minimal elevation in the intraocular pressure.

• Discomfort. A mild bilateral discomfort or tired feeling around the eyes is felt. This also causes foggy vision.


• Peripheral loss of vision. The central vision is unimpaired, but the peripheral field becomes blurred.


• Progressive loss of visual field


• Halos. Rainbows are seen with lights during an increase in ocular pressure.

Treatment for Glaucoma

There currently is no cure for glaucoma. Most are palliative treatments aimed to reduce the pain and slow the progression of blindness. There are, however, preventative measures that a person diagnosed with the disease should take note of. These include:

• Exercise. Regular exercise and minimal physical activity has been shown to lower levels of intraocular pressure.


• Diet. Although little is understood, studies have established a link between glaucoma and a person’s diet. Omega-3 fatty acids were shown to reduce levels of intraocular pressure. These work by increasing the aqueous outflow in older adults. This includes a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fish. Meanwhile, patients should cut the amount of simple carbohydrates and sugar present in the diet.


• Ginkgo Biloba


• Fish Oil


• Forskolin. These are natural eye drops which are also known as an eye bright herb.