Glaucoma: causes, symptoms, and prevention

What

Glaucoma is a chronic disease that affects the optic nerve., with progressive damage: this results in a limitation of peripheral vision, which, in worsening cases, can lead to blindness. Glaucoma, due to increased intraocular pressure, is the second leading cause of partial or complete vision loss. Officially, it affects 500 people in Italy, but the number of undiagnosed cases is estimated to be just as high. The risk increases after age 60, and glaucoma affects a slightly higher proportion of men.

Cause

There is no certainty about the causes of glaucoma, and there is debate over whether it has a neurodegenerative or mechanical component. Generally, glaucoma can be due to a poor blood supply or to a congenital factor, and therefore be present from birth. Among the risk factors, the main one is the increase in intraocular pressure., especially if accompanied by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Advanced age and a family history of glaucoma are predisposing factors. Some visual disturbances (myopia high and hyperopia) and systemic diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases) can promote the onset of glaucoma.

Types of glaucoma

The most common types of glaucoma are open-angle and closed-angle. The first is characterized by vision problems, headaches, nausea and vomiting. vomitingIn the second case, however, there is sudden pain at the level of the eyeball.

Symptoms

The most common primary open-angle glaucoma is slow-progressing and often asymptomatic. Narrow-angle glaucoma, which is more aggressive, can lead to acute glaucoma. When symptoms appear, the disease is often already advanced, with a blurred vision and narrow, loss of peripheral vision, sensitivity to light, dryness and redness of the eyes.

Diagnosis

An eye examination with eye pressure control every year starting from the age of 40 (if you have no risk factors) or more frequently if you are at high risk, or if you are over 65, is the main diagnostic tool for discovering the disease in its early stages and setting up a treatment that slows down or stops the progression of the damage to the eye. optic nerve, preserving vision. In addition to the examination of the fundus and anterior segment of the eye, there are more in-depth tests that the ophthalmologist can perform and request. For example:

• An Tonometry which measures the pressure inside the eye
• An gonioscopy which is used to study the space between the iris and the cornea and allows for the selection of the various types of glaucoma
• An pachymetry which measures the thickness of the cornea
• Uno study of the visual field to have an assessment of retinal sensitivity
• An iridography which studies the vascular circulation of the iris

Therapy

Treatments are personalized based on the type and severity of glaucoma, and can be effective if diagnosed early, rather than when the disease has reached its irreversible stage. Drugs in the form of eye drops are still the most commonly used, but laser treatments or surgery, especially if minimally invasive, may be recommended for more effective and patient-tolerated disease control. Surgery should be undertaken when eye drop or laser treatments are insufficient. Traditional surgery often achieves a permanent result, but its effectiveness must always be monitored over time, and repeat interventions may be necessary. The femtosecond laser, for example, allows for the permanent restoration of normal intraocular pressure. Normal activities, including reading, using a computer, and driving, can be resumed 24-48 hours after surgery. Regular check-ups are performed for a few weeks, followed by a six-monthly follow-up.

Prevention

For the sometimes explicit lack of symptomsGlaucoma is also called "the silent thief of sight." Prevention begins with regular checkups, especially if there's a family history of the condition (in this case, the risk of glaucoma increases by 10-15 percent). The following individuals are also at greater risk and require greater prevention:

• Diabetic patients
• Subjects with severe myopia
• Those who frequently use cortisone drugs
• Who has a visual field alteration
• Who has a damaged optical disc
• About Smokes and those who do not perform regular physical activity

Read also:

• Conjunctivitis: causes, remedies, and prevention
• Foods that are good for the eyes and protect vision

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date. Click here!