Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage the optic nerve. This nerve sends signals from your eye to your brain. Because glaucoma often has no early warning signs, many people do not know they have it. However, early detection is key. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. It can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in older adults. For this reason, regular eye exams are important for everyone.

Common Symptoms of Glaucoma

Most types of glaucoma develop slowly. Often, there are no symptoms at first. But as the disease progresses, you may notice changes. For example, you might see:

Blurred vision

Loss of side (peripheral) vision

Halos around lights

Eye pain or pressure

Redness in the eye

Sudden vision loss (in rare cases)

Because symptoms can be mild or absent, regular eye check-ups are vital. Early treatment can help protect your vision.

Causes and Risk Factors

Glaucoma usually happens when fluid builds up in the eye. This extra fluid increases pressure inside the eye. Over time, high pressure can harm the optic nerve. Still, some people get glaucoma even with normal eye pressure. Several risk factors can raise your chances of developing glaucoma. These include:

Age over 40

Family history of glaucoma

High eye pressure

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Thin corneas

Previous eye injury

Long-term use of steroid medicines

Because some risk factors cannot be changed, it is important to focus on what you can control. For example, managing other health problems may help lower your risk.

How Glaucoma is Diagnosed

Eye doctors use several tests to check for glaucoma. First, they measure the pressure inside your eye. Next, they look at the shape and color of your optic nerve. In addition, they may test your side vision and check the thickness of your cornea. Common tests include:

Tonometer test (measures eye pressure)

Ophthalmoscopy (examines the optic nerve)

Visual field test (checks side vision)

Pachymetry (measures cornea thickness)

Because glaucoma can develop slowly, regular eye exams are the best way to catch it early. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eye exams every one to two years, especially for those at higher risk.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

There are several glaucoma treatment options. The main goal is to lower eye pressure and prevent further damage. Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you. Common treatments include:

Prescription eye drops (to reduce eye pressure)

Oral medicines (sometimes used with drops)

Laser therapy (to help fluid drain from the eye)

Surgery (for severe cases or when other treatments do not work)

Because glaucoma is a lifelong condition, you may need ongoing treatment. Regular follow-ups with your eye doctor are important to keep your vision safe.

Lifestyle Tips and Prevention

While you cannot always prevent glaucoma, healthy habits can help protect your eyes. For example, you can:

Get regular eye exams

Manage health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure

Wear eye protection during sports or risky activities

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Exercise regularly, but avoid heavy lifting that raises eye pressure

Avoid smoking

Because early action makes a difference, learning how to prevent glaucoma is important for everyone. Good eye health starts with simple daily choices.

When to See an Eye Specialist

If you notice any changes in your vision, see an eye specialist right away. For example, sudden vision loss, eye pain, or halos around lights are warning signs. Even if you have no symptoms, regular eye exams are key. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

In summary, glaucoma is a serious eye disease, but you can take steps to protect your sight. Consult Sanjivani Eye Hospital for personalised advice on glaucoma prevention and treatment.