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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Dr. Prof. Khalid Mahmood
MBBS, CHPE, DOMS (GOLD MEDALIST) CICO (UK), FCPS
Specialties - Ophthalmology (Eye Surgery)
Areas of Focus - Apart from advanced Cataract and Refractive surgery, his special areas of interest are Cornea and Glaucoma (AGV and modified Trabeculectomy). He got advanced corneal surgical training from SNEC Singapore where he worked with Dr Donald Tan for Big Bubble DALK, DSAEK. He worked in Barcelona Spain to get Boston Keratoprosthesis training and Chicago USA for DMEK.
Introduction - "Dr. Khalid Mahmood is a highly accomplished Ophthalmologist with extensive academic and professional achievements. He obtained his MBBS from Nishtar Medical College Multan, followed by DOMS from FPGMI and Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore, and FCPS in Ophthalmology from CPSP in 2000. Dr. Mahmood began his career at Mayo Hospital Lahore and later pursued further training at Sheikh Zayed Federal Post Graduate Institute. With a rich background in medical education, he served as a Senior Registrar in Jinnah Hospital Lahore and then as a Consultant Ophthalmologist at LRBT Lahore. Recognized for his expertise, he became a Supervisor and Examiner for FCPS and MCPS examinations. Dr. Mahmood's dedication to education extends to his roles as a Professor and HOD of Ophthalmology at Avicenna Medical College and Hospital Lahore. He holds the esteemed status of Examiner for CPSP, UHS, Punjab University M.Ed. Visual Impairment, and NUMS. Dr. Khalid Mahmood is a distinguished figure in the field of Ophthalmology, holding significant roles in professional organizations. He has served as the General Secretary of the Cornea Association of Pakistan (CAP) and has been an Executive Member of the Ophthalmological Society of Pakistan (OSP) in Lahore since 2015. With a history of leadership, Dr. Mahmood has previously held positions such as Ex. Finance Secretary of OSP Lahore, Ex. Finance Secretary of CAP, Ex. General Secretary of the Pakistan Glaucoma Association (PGA), and Ex. Joint Secretary of PGA. He has also contributed significantly as a Workshop Coordinator for cornea-related events in Lahore and Karophth and has been instrumental in leadership development programs in collaboration with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO).