Your vision is precious—it helps you see and interact with the world around you. However, eye conditions can sometimes develop and affect your quality of life. One common, subtle culprit is a condition called glaucoma, also known as “the silent thief of sight.”
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve. It has a strong genetic component, though other lifestyle factors make a difference as well. It’s a serious condition with several variations, and regular eye exams are the key to catching it before it permanently damages your vision.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions known to steadily damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the nerve connecting the eye to the brain—and it’s a core part of your visual system. Damage to the optic nerve is often related to increased pressure in the eye.
Inside your eye, you have a complex system of fluids. These fluids bring nutrients and oxygen into the eye and wash away waste. Then, they exit through a drainage system in your eye. It’s similar to a complicated plumbing system.
But sometimes, these fluids can’t drain properly. This slowly raises your intraocular pressure, straining the surrounding structures. Eventually, this increased pressure damages the optic nerve, which can then lead to permanent vision loss.
However, this damage is subtle, and it’s difficult to notice without your optometrist’s help. That’s why glaucoma is called “the silent thief of sight.”
Glaucoma also has significant genetic components, so it’s considered a hereditary condition.
The Different Types of Glaucoma
There isn’t just one type of glaucoma. In fact, there are plenty of different types, each with its own cause, symptoms, and effects. The 4 most common types are:
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Closed-angle glaucoma
- Normal tension glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
So what makes each of these unique?
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition. It occurs when the eye’s drainage system—called the trabecular meshwork—becomes less efficient at draining fluid over time. This slow clogging process causes intraocular pressure to rise and eventually damages the optic nerve.
There’s a core difficulty with open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly and subtly, without any obvious outward symptoms. This means it can cause permanent vision loss before you even know you have the condition.
Open-angle glaucoma has strong genetic components. If one or more of your family members have open-angle glaucoma, your risk increases. Fortunately, it can be detected during regular eye exams, making these visits to your optometrist essential.
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Closed-angle glaucoma works a bit differently. This is the only type of glaucoma that isn’t subtle—it develops quickly and has severe effects. It’s considered a medical emergency and needs immediate attention to preserve your vision.
Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the angle between the iris and cornea is too narrow. This area can rapidly become blocked, which spikes your intraocular pressure. This then leads to:
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Halos around lights
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience these symptoms, immediately seek emergency eye care. Closed-angle glaucoma causes permanent vision loss, so medical intervention makes all the difference. Never ignore the signs of something wrong when it comes to your vision.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma can be complicated. This happens when intraocular pressure is within the normal range—and shouldn’t be able to damage the optic nerve. It’s not entirely understood, but it’s believed to develop due to:
- An overly sensitive optic nerve
- Changes in blood flow to the eye
- Damaged optic structures
This type of glaucoma can be difficult to diagnose and detect. It doesn’t cause any obvious signs or symptoms. However, it has strong genetic components, so your optometrist can carefully examine the structures inside your eye to look for signs of damage. Regular eye exams are essential for protecting your eyes against damage from normal-tension glaucoma.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma doesn’t develop on its own. This condition is a result of another injury, medication, or any other internal or external factor affecting the eye.
This can develop as a response to:
- Eye injuries, such as blunt trauma or penetrating wounds
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Eye conditions like uveitis or cataracts
- Complications from eye surgeries
- Systemic diseases, including diabetes or hypertension
Treatment for secondary glaucoma involves addressing the original condition causing your new symptoms. This way, your optometrist can help reduce your intraocular pressure and reduce the risk of future complications.
Tips For Lowering Your Risk Of Glaucoma
It’s not possible to eliminate the risk of developing glaucoma. It’s a complicated condition caused by all kinds of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. However, with some proactive steps, you can reduce the odds.
To lower the risk of glaucoma, it helps to:
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
- Exercise regularly to promote eye health
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Manage your blood pressure where possible
- Protect your eyes from injury with appropriate eyewear
- Schedule regular eye exams to check for internal damage
These simple changes help support your overall eye health. They help keep your eyes protected and give your optometrist the chance to look for signs that something is wrong. Glaucoma may be subtle, but your optometrist knows what to look for. With their help, you can stay on top of any changes in your eyes and vision!
Get Checked For Glaucoma!
Glaucoma is a serious condition with all kinds of contributing causes. However, your optometrist can help catch problems like glaucoma early—before they cause permanent damage. And our team here at Calgary Optometry Centre is here to help! We know what to look for, and we’re here to keep your eyes healthy. Book an appointment with us today to get your eyes checked.
