Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure within the eye.
Symptoms
- Eye pain or pressure.
- Headaches
- Rainbow-colored halos around lights.
- Low vision, blurred vision, narrowed vision (tunnel vision) or blind spots
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Red eyes
Causes
Glaucoma is primarily caused by increased intraocular pressure. In healthy eyes, fluid (aqueous humor) flows out through drainage canals between the iris and cornea. In glaucoma, resistance in these drainage canals prevents fluid from exiting, leading to a buildup of pressure. Over time, this elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss.
Risk Factors
- Are over age 40
- Have family members with glaucoma
- Have high eye pressure
- Are farsighted or nearsighted
- Have had an eye injury
- Use long-term steroid medications
- Have corneas that are thin in the canter
- Have thinning of the optic nerve
Have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation, or other health problems affecting the whole body