Glaucoma: A silent threat to vision

Have you ever experienced sudden eye pain, seen halos around lights, or felt pressure in your eyes? These could be warning signs of glaucoma – a silent yet serious eye disease that can lead to permanent blindness.

Glaucoma (also known as ocular hypertension, or glocom) is a dangerous eye condition that can cause irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated in time. This article provides an in-depth understanding of its causes, symptoms, types, treatments, and preventive measures to help you safeguard your vision.

Glaucoma ranks among the primary causes of blindness worldwide. Source: Internet

Table of Contents

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition where increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. In some cases, optic nerve damage can occur even when eye pressure is normal. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, second only to cataracts. The alarming factor is that it progresses silently, with many people only discovering it when the disease is already in an advanced stage.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 80 million people globally are affected by glaucoma, and this number is expected to rise. While it cannot be completely cured, early detection and treatment can help control its progression.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when the eye’s aqueous humour (fluid inside the eye) does not drain properly or is produced in excess, leading to increased eye pressure. In some cases, optic nerve cells deteriorate without an identifiable cause. Key risk factors include:

Genetics: A family history of glaucoma increases your risk
Age: People over 40, particularly those over 60, are at higher risk
Refractive errors: Severe near-sightedness or far-sightedness can raise the risk
Eye injuries: Trauma to the eye can lead to increased pressure
Systemic diseases: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases can contribute to glaucoma
Long-term corticosteroid use: Prolonged use of steroid medications can elevate intraocular pressure

Notable types of Glaucoma

Pseudo-Exfoliation Syndrome (PXF): Similar to open-angle glaucoma but characterised by abnormal deposits on the lens and drainage system, leading to blockage.
Pigmentary Glaucoma: More common in people with near-sightedness or younger patients. Pigment particles from the iris accumulate in the drainage channels, leading to increased pressure.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma.

Light sensitivity and excessive tearing could indicate underlying vision issues. Source: Internet

1. Primary Glaucoma

1.1. Primary angle-closure glaucoma

Pupil-blocking primary angle-closure glaucoma: A sudden increase in intraocular pressure due to the peripheral iris pushing forward and blocking the trabecular meshwork.

Symptoms include:

Sudden severe eye pain, radiating to one side of the head
- Blurred vision, appearing as if looking through a mist, with rainbow halos around lights
- Light sensitivity, excessive tearing, possibly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweating
- Subacute primary angle-closure glaucoma: Moderate elevation in intraocular pressure, leading to temporary vision loss, halos around lights, mild eye and head discomfort
- Chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma: Progresses silently with little to no noticeable symptoms until vision is significantly affected
Primary angle-closure glaucoma without pupil block: Patients often do not experience noticeable symptoms, and the condition is usually only detected at an advanced stage.

1.2. Primary open-angle glaucoma

Often symptomless, making it difficult to detect
Occasional eye strain, temporary blurred vision after prolonged work
Some patients experience morning foggy vision

2. Secondary Glaucoma

This type can result from eye or systemic conditions, including:

Eye trauma or post-surgical complications
Uveitis (eye inflammation)
Lens-related disorders

High-risk groups

Individuals over 40
Those with a family history of glaucoma
People with severe refractive errors (myopia > 4 dioptres, early-onset presbyopia, rapid changes in reading glasses prescription)
Patients with systemic conditions such as hypertension, nocturnal hypotension, coronary artery disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, cerebrovascular diseases, migraines, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and thyroid disorders

Recommendation: If you belong to a high-risk group, have an eye check-up at least every six months.

Glaucoma may be a complication of diabetes. Source: Internet

Glaucoma treatment

The goal of glaucoma treatment is to slow or halt disease progression, maintaining vision and quality of life. Depending on the severity, treatment options include:

Medications: Eye drops, oral medications, or intravenous drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
Laser therapy: Procedures such as peripheral iridotomy, trabeculoplasty, or ciliary body laser treatment.
Surgery: Includes trabeculectomy, drainage implants, deep sclerectomy, and filtering surgery.
Cataract surgery: May be necessary in some cases to relieve fluid blockage in the eye.

The prognosis depends on disease severity and how early treatment begins. If left untreated, optic nerve damage can worsen, leading to irreversible blindness. However, with timely diagnosis, proper treatment, and regular follow-up, vision loss can be prevented. Glaucoma management requires long-term commitment, and patients must adhere to prescribed treatments to avoid severe complications.

At Hoan My Gold Ky Dong, we take pride in being the only specialised eye care provider within the Hoan My Medical Corporation. With a team of highly skilled ophthalmologists, advanced equipment, and dedicated service, we offer personalised glaucoma treatments to help patients maintain their vision. Book a consultation with our experts today here.

Diabetic retinopathy treatment is available from a specialist with over 20 years of experience at Hoan My Gold Ky Dong.

Effective prevention strategies

Currently, there is no absolute way to prevent glaucoma. Early detection, timely intervention, and regular monitoring are crucial. High-risk individuals, such as those over 40, should have an eye exam annually, while those with a family history of glaucoma should schedule check-ups every six months.

Open-angle glaucoma cannot be prevented, but early diagnosis and treatment can prevent vision loss.
Angle-closure glaucoma can be prevented with early intervention. A simple peripheral iridotomy procedure in the early stages can help prevent complete angle closure and blindness.

Here are some effective ways to reduce your glaucoma risk:

Regular eye exams: Essential for individuals over 40 or with a family history of glaucoma.
Managing systemic conditions: Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control.
Healthy diet: Consuming foods rich in omega-3, vitamins A, C, and E to support eye health.
Avoiding prolonged steroid use: Especially corticosteroids that can increase intraocular pressure.
Eye protection: Wearing safety glasses in environments with high risk of eye trauma.
Limiting caffeine intake: As caffeine may temporarily raise eye pressure.
Regular exercise: Improves blood circulation to the eyes, reducing glaucoma risk.

Hoan My Gold Ky Dong Medical Centre takes pride in being the only unit within the Hoan My Medical Corporation offering comprehensive eye care services. With our team of highly qualified ophthalmologists, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated services, we are committed to delivering safe, effective, and personalised refractive surgery solutions.

Let your eyes be cared for by a trusted medical provider. Contact us today via Hotline 0919 209 039 or register online here.

We are always here to accompany you on your journey to clearer, healthier vision.

References:

Hai Phong Department of Health. Essential Information on Glaucoma Prevention.
District 7 Health Centre. World Glaucoma Week: A United Effort Against Glaucoma.
Cao Bang Provincial Centre for Disease Control. Glaucoma and Preventive Measures.

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