Medical Advices Blog

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease characterized by progressive damage to the optic nerve, resulting clinically as a reduction in the amplitude of the field of view. This reduction occurs from the periphery to the center so that when it affects the central vision in glaucoma is a very advanced stage. If left untreated, can lead to permanent loss of vision in the affected eye.

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide. The most important risk factor in the development of glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure. Anyone over 40 years should eye pressure checked at least once a year in order to detect early development of glaucoma.How is glaucoma?

The front of the eye is filled with a fluid called aqueous humor. This fluid is produced and eliminated in a balanced manner in order to maintain stable intraocular pressure. When this balance is broken (usually by a difficulty in removing the liquid), raising the pressure inside the eye, which, if sustained for some time, can damage the optic nerve, glaucoma.

There are two main subgroups of glaucoma: glaucoma, primary open angle and primary angle-closure glaucoma.

The primary open-angle glaucoma

Also known as chronic simple glaucoma is a slowly progressive condition that occurs when the drainage channels gradually become blocked.

The primary angle-closure glaucoma

It occurs when abruptly stopping the outflow of aqueous humor, causing a rapid increase in intraocular pressure.

Other types of glaucoma

Other types of glaucoma which are much less common and may be due to several reasons:

- Inflammation inside the eye (uveitis or iritis)

- Growth of new blood vessels inside the eye, called neovascularization, which may occur in relation to diabetes or due to a blockage of a blood vessel or vein in the retina.

- Treatment with some drugs (eg steroids)

- After an eye injury

- Other less common abnormalities affecting the structure of the eye.

Congenital Glaucoma

This disease is a rare (approximately 1 in 10,000 live births). Most cases are sporadic, although there are cases with family history. It may appear isolated or associated with other ocular or systemic.

credit to: Dr. José María Martínez de la Casa, Dra. Caroline MacEwen