Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
- Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which sends signals from your eyes to your brain.
- Most times, it’s caused by high pressure in the eye, which slowly destroys vision.
Who is at risk?
- Have diabetes
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Have suffered an eye injury
- Are over 40 years old (but young people can get it too!)
Types of glaucoma?
- Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type. No pain, no early symptoms, but vision slowly fades.
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma: This is an emergency! Watch out for sudden eye pain, redness, blurry vision, nausea, or vomiting.
- Congenital glaucoma: Babies can be born with it. If a child has teary, cloudy eyes or avoids bright light, see a doctor fast!
- Secondary glaucoma: This comes from eye injuries, cataracts, or tumours.
Glaucoma myths?
- Eye surgery doesn’t automatically lead to blindness.
- Losing eyesight isn’t just part of old age, it can be prevented.
- Glaucoma is just for old people?No, even babies can have it.
How can it be treated?
Doctors usually start with eye drops. If that doesn’t help, they might recommend:
- Medications: Pills or stronger eye drops
- Surgery: To create better drainage for eye fluid
- Laser treatment: Quick and effective for some types of glaucoma