What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma condition is characterised by a raised pressure within the eyes due to an enhanced formation of aqueous humour, difficulty in its exit, or a raised pressure in the existing veins. Glaucoma may be primary (causes within the eye) or secondary (due to another disease or a consequence of another disease). Glaucoma is the major cause of blindness among adults today. One out of every eight blind persons is a victim of glaucoma. Farsighted persons are more prone to develop this disease than near sighted ones.
Simple Glaucoma
Age 70 years onwards. It has a very slow onset and is practically symptom less except for mild headaches and eye aches. There may be a defect in the visual field. There is gradual difficulty in reading. Vision is finally lost in one eye and seriously affected in the other. Always consult an eye doctor.
Symptom of Glaucoma
The first symptom of glaucoma is the appearance of halos or colored rings around distant objects when seen at night. In this condition, the iris is usually pushed forward, and the patient
often complains of constant pain in the region of the brow, near the temples and the cheeks are some of the main symptoms of glaucoma. Headaches are not uncommon. There is gradual impairment of vision as glaucoma develops, and this may ultimately result in blindness if proper steps are not taken to deal with the disease in the early stages.
Other Symptom of Glaucoma
- The sudden, severe blurring of vision.
- Severe pain. The pain may occur in the eye itself or in certain areas immediately around the eye.
- Colored halos around lights.
- Reduced peripheral vision
- Optic cup asymmetry
- Redness of the eye.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Prevention tips for Glaucoma Cure and Home remedies
- The patient should not take excessive fluids, whether it is juice, milk or water at any time. He may drink small amounts several times at least one-hour intervals.
- The diet of the patient suffering from glaucoma should be based on three basic food groups, namely, seeds, nuts, and grains; vegetables, and fruit, with emphasis on raw vitamin
C-rich foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables. - The breakfast may consist of oranges or grapes or any
other juicy fruits in season and a handful of raw nuts or seeds. - The dinner may comprise steamed vegetables, butter, and cottage cheese.
- Certain nutrients have been found helpful in the treatment of glaucoma. It has been found that glaucoma patients are usually deficient in vitamins A, B, C, protein, calcium, and other minerals.
- The patient should undertake various methods of relaxing and strengthening the eyes. He should avoid emotional stress and cultivate a tranquil, restful lifestyle. He should also avoid prolonged straining of the eyes such as occurs during excessive T.V. or movie watching and excessive reading. The use of sunglasses should be avoided.
The major types of glaucoma are:
Open-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma by far the most common form has no symptoms at first. The pressure in the eye builds up slowly and gradually. At some point, side vision (peripheral vision) is lost and without treatment, total blindness can occur in Open-angle glaucoma. Regular eye exams can help catch the disease of Open-angle glaucoma at an early stage and prevent further damage.
Acute closed-angle glaucoma
Acute closed-angle glaucoma results from a sudden, complete blocking of the fluid flowing out of the eye. Symptoms of Acute closed-angle glaucoma may include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and seeing a rainbow halo around lights. Acute closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately or blindness could result in one or two days.
Chronic closed-angle glaucoma
Chronic closed-angle glaucoma may produce a vague eye ache or blurred vision; however, there are usually no symptoms of Chronic closed-angle glaucoma.
Clinical Features of Glaucoma
1. Occasional attacks of raised tension especially late afternoon, evenings, or at night.
2. Blurring of vision.
3. Halos around light due to accumulation of fluid in the corneal epithelium. Mostly seen after dark.
4. Headache, acute pain in the eyes, and vomiting.
5. Eyes congested and suffused.
6. Vision gradually deteriorates.
7. Cataracts.
Management
Surgery.
Causes of Glaucoma
1. Inflammatory glaucoma leading to clogging of drainage channels.
2. Post-inflammatory glaucoma due to blockage of the circulation of the aqueous humour either at the pupil or at the angle of the anterior chamber.
3. Trauma to the cornea.
4. Massive hemorrhage within the eye.
5. Dislocated lens.
6. Tumour of the eye.
7. Infantile glaucoma in babies due to the failure of the development of tissues.
Management
Consult an eye doctor for help.