What Is The Main Cause Of Glaucoma?

What Is The Main Cause Of Glaucoma?

Apr 01, 2023

Glaucoma is not attributed to one cause but a combination of risk factors that may lead to this condition. There are a few different symptoms of glaucoma, but the most common is vision loss. This can happen gradually or suddenly, and other symptoms like pain in the eye, headaches, and nausea may accompany it. It’s important to see an eye doctor near you immediately if you experience any of these symptoms so they can diagnose and treat the condition.

Once glaucoma has damaged your vision, it’s too late to repair that damage—but getting Glaucoma treatment in Mahogany can slow or prevent further loss of sight by controlling the pressure in your eye.

What is Glaucoma?

This group of eye diseases affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. The main cause of glaucoma is increased pressure in the eye. This happens when the fluid drains out of the eye and doesn’t drain properly. The build-up of fluid increases the pressure inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Other factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medications can cause glaucoma.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can lead to vision loss, but the primary causes:

    • Elevated Eye Pressure

The fluid creates eye pressure in the eye, and when it cannot drain properly, it can build up and damage the optic nerve. This damage can lead to vision loss or even blindness.

    • Poor Blood Flow to the Optic Nerve

One of the most common causes of glaucoma is poor blood flow to the optic nerve. When the optic nerve doesn’t get enough blood, it becomes damaged and eventually dies. This can happen because of blockages in the veins or arteries or changes in the pressure inside the eye.

Other Risk Factors

There are several other potential risk factors for glaucoma, though the exact relationship between these factors and the development of the condition is not always clear. They include:

  • Family history : If your parent or grandparent has suffered from glaucoma, you may be at increased risk.
  • Age: Our eyes become more susceptible to damage and diseases such as glaucoma as we age. Other environmental risk factors include high intraocular pressure, diabetes, and long-term use of certain medications (steroids). Visiting an eye clinic in Calgary is crucial, especially after turning 60.
  • Myopia (nearsightedness) : Nearsighted People are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma, in which the iris bulges forward and blocks the drainage angle.
  • Previous eye injury or surgery : A previous injury to your eye or previous eye surgery may increase your risk of glaucoma.
  • Thin corneas in the center.
  • Long-term use of corticosteroid eye drops can lead to glaucoma.
  • Diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, and sickle cell anemia are all medical conditions that can predispose you to glaucoma.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is incurable, but several treatments are available to help reduce its effects. Treatment options include medication and surgery. Medications for glaucoma include eyedrops that lower pressure inside your eyes or topical medications applied directly to the eye. Eye surgery can be performed in an operating room to cut out part of the iris, reducing pressure by decreasing the fluid volume behind the lens.

Prevention of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is often caused by high pressure in the eye, which can cause vision loss if left untreated.

There are several ways you can prevent glaucoma or keep it from getting worse:

  • See your eye doctor regularly for comprehensive dilated eye exams.
  • You may need to be checked more often if you have a family history.
  • People with diabetes or other health conditions that can affect the eyes should also have regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
  • Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
  • Use caution when taking steroids by mouth or applying steroid creams or ointments to your skin. Steroids can increase pressure inside the eyeball.

Schedule an Appointment

Glaucoma can have severe consequences, but With early detection and treatment, most people with glaucoma can maintain good vision for many years, but it is also preventable. Visit Premier Eye Care for an eye exam and more information about glaucoma.

Seton
Mahogany
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