Glaucoma - Symptoms and Causes

Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). This optic nerve damage leads to gradual and irreversible loss of vision, usually beginning with peripheral (side) vision. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, glaucoma can result in permanent blindness. However, glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure is within normal range, which is known as normal-tension glaucoma.

Glaucoma Meaning in Urdu:

گلوکوما ایک آنکھ کی بیماری ہے جس میں آنکھ کے اندر موجود نظر کی نس آہستہ آہستہ خراب ہو جاتی ہے۔ یہ خرابی زیادہ تر اس وقت ہوتی ہے جب آنکھ کے اندر کا دباؤ معمول سے زیادہ ہو جائے۔ اس بیماری میں نظر دھیرے دھیرے کم ہوتی جاتی ہے اور اگر بروقت علاج نہ کیا جائے تو یہ بیماری مکمل اندھے پن تک پہنچا سکتی ہے۔

Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It can slowly reduce vision and may lead to blindness if not treated early. Here are the signs and symptoms of this disease

1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (Most Common Type)

This type develops slowly and usually without pain.

• Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision
   
• Difficulty seeing in dim light
   
• Feeling like you are looking through a tunnel (in advanced stages)
   
• Blurred or patchy vision (late stage)

Many patients do not notice symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred

2. Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Medical Emergency

This type occurs suddenly and requires immediate treatment.

• Severe eye pain
   
• Headache
   
• Blurred vision
   
• Halos around lights
   
• Redness of the eye
   
• Nausea and vomiting
   
• Eye feels hard when touched

If these symptoms appear suddenly, seek emergency eye care to prevent permanent blindness.

3. Congenital (Childhood) Glaucoma

Seen in infants or young children.

• Excessive tearing
   
• Sensitivity to light
   
• Enlarged or cloudy-appearing cornea
   
• Frequent eye rubbing

Glaucoma Causes:

Glaucoma is primarily caused by increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), which occurs when the fluid within the eye does not drain properly. This increased pressure gradually damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss over time. However, glaucoma can also develop even when eye pressure is normal, especially in individuals with poor blood circulation to the optic nerve. Other contributing factors include aging, family history, eye injuries, inflammation inside the eye, and the long-term use of steroid medications. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, may also increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

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