Eye health is an important part of our overall health. Eye diseases can lead to serious consequences. One of these is glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve as a result of increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma may not show its symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, the disease usually progresses silently and may cause vision loss.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
There are often no obvious symptoms in the early stages of glaucoma, so the disease is difficult to diagnose. However, in progressive cases of glaucoma, the following symptoms may occur:
- Eye Pain or Headache: In the later stages of glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure can cause eye pain or headache.
- Blurred or Narrowed Vision: Glaucoma can cause a narrowing of the field of vision. The patient may experience loss or blurring of peripheral vision.
- Seeing Colored Rings: During a glaucoma attack, some patients may see light halos around the colored rings.
- Redness or Watering in the Eyes: Increased intraocular pressure may cause redness or watering in the eyes.
Causes of Glaucoma
The exact cause of glaucoma is not fully known, but some risk factors include:
- Age: The risk of glaucoma increases with age. The risk increases significantly after age 60.
- Family History: People with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk.
- High Intraocular Pressure: High intraocular pressure (eye pressure) can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
- Random Factors: High myopia, diabetes, hypertension and some medications may increase the risk of glaucoma.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Treatment of this eye disease depends on the type and severity of the disease and the patient’s general health condition. Its treatment options include eye drops, medications, laser surgery and conventional surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of glaucoma and prevent vision loss.
Prevention of Glaucoma
It is not possible to completely prevent glaucoma. But the disease can be combated by reducing risk factors and performing regular eye examinations. Regular eye examinations are important, especially after the age of 40. You can also support your eye health by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Glaucoma: Eye Disease That Can Lead to Vision Loss
Glaucoma is an eye disease that progresses silently but can lead to serious consequences. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disease progression and prevent vision loss. Therefore, it is important to have regular eye exams and take necessary precautions to protect your eye health.