Glaucoma is a condition of high pressure within the eyeball causing gradual loss of sight.According to the World Health Organization, Glaucoma is considered as the second leading cause of blindness (behind cataracts)in the global level .
In simple words,Glaucoma is a complicated eye disease caused by high eye pressure, and if left untreated causes permanent vision loss or blindness.It is called the “Sneak Thief of Sight” or “Silent Thief of Sight”.
How the Eye works?
Glaucoma is a condition in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss.
In most people this damage is due to an increased pressure inside the eye - a result of blockage of the circulation of aqueous, or its drainage.
In other patients the damage may be caused by poor blood supply to the vital optic nerve fibres, a weakness in the structure of the nerve, and/or a problem in the health of the nerve fibres themselves.
In simple words,Glaucoma is a complicated eye disease caused by high eye pressure, and if left untreated causes permanent vision loss or blindness.It is called the “Sneak Thief of Sight” or “Silent Thief of Sight”.
How the Eye works?
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The eye works very much like an old-style camera. In the camera, the light comes in through the shutter, is focused by the lens, falls onto the film and them we take it to be processed.
In the eye, light comes in through the cornea and pupil. It is focused by the lens, falling onto the film in the eye (the retina) and then goes, via the optic nerve (the nerve of sight), to the brain (the processor) for developing.
The shape of the eye is achieved through the circulation of a clear fluid (aqueous). It bathes and nourishes the eye, keeps it firm and gives the eye a certain pressure. High pressure left uncontrolled can lead to damage of the optic nerve and result in vision loss.
It must be noted that eye pressure varies from person to person. What is high pressure for one person may not be for another.
In most people this damage is due to an increased pressure inside the eye - a result of blockage of the circulation of aqueous, or its drainage.
In other patients the damage may be caused by poor blood supply to the vital optic nerve fibres, a weakness in the structure of the nerve, and/or a problem in the health of the nerve fibres themselves.
Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Normal eye pressure ranges from 12-22 mm Hg, and eye pressure of greater than 22 mm Hg is considered higher than normal. When the IOP is higher than normal but the person does not show signs of glaucoma, this is referred to as ocular hypertension.
High eye pressure alone does not cause glaucoma. However, it is a significant risk factor. Individuals diagnosed with high eye pressure should have regular comprehensive eye examinations by an eye care professional to check for signs of the onset of glaucoma.
There is no specific level of elevated eye pressure(called intraocular pressure or IOP) that definitely leads to glaucoma; conversely, there is no lower level of IOP that will absolutely eliminate a person’s risk of developing glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is the key to prevent vision loss.
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