Understanding Glaucoma

Introduction:

According to a study conducted by JAMA Ophthalmology, Around 4.22 million people in the United States have glaucoma. Out of these numbers, around 1.49 million people (0.57%) of age 18 and above have vision affecting glaucoma. Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects and damages the Optic nerve due to intraocular pressure (increased eye pressure). This can lead to vision loss and cause permanent loss of vision if left untreated. In the beginning, the symptoms can be hard to notice which allows it to develop gradually.

Symptoms of glaucoma:

Early stage: As mentioned, there are little to no noticeable symptoms at this stage which can lead to severe damage to the eye.

Advanced stages:

• Loss of peripherals: In this condition, a person loses vision from the side.
• Blind spots: Blind spots develop as the condition worsens.
• In severe cases: While rare, glaucoma causes tunnel vision in severe cases.
• Seeing halos: Seeing rainbow colored rainbow around light, especially during night is a key symptom.

What causes glaucoma?

Glaucoma can be caused due to the blockage of drainage canals. This can lead to Intraocular pressure or Ocular hypertension. Poor blood flow to the optic nerve can also be the cause for glaucoma.

Risk factors:

Some of the risk factors of glaucoma are:

• Age: People with the age of 60 and above are at a higher risk. A person can be affected at any age but it is more common in elders above the age of 60.
• High Intraocular pressure: The pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. It is also called ocular hypertension.
• Medical condition: Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also be the reason for glaucoma.
• Family history: People whose family have a history of glaucoma are also at risk.
• Eye Injuries: Injuries in the eyes can lead to traumatic glaucoma. It can occur many years later after the injury.

Diagnoses:

There are different tests conducted by the doctors. Some of the diagnosis of glaucoma are:

• Tonometry: Tonometry is an eye pressure test in which intraocular pressure is measured.
• Optic nerve Examination: This eye examination detects the damages caused in the optic nerve. This exam includes: accommodation reflex, visual acuity evolution, pupillary light reflections and fundoscopy.
• Visual field test: This test identifies the blind spots in the eye and the loss of vision.
• Gonioscopy: It is a test that identifies if the eye's drainage is too narrow or closed.
• Pachymetry: It examines the thickness of the cornea.

Treatment:

The right treatment of glaucoma helps reduce the ocular hypertension and further optic nerve damage. Here are some of the treatments for glaucoma:

Laser Therapy:

• Trabeculoplasty: It is used to treat Open-angle glaucoma and improves fluid drainage. On average, it can reduce eye pressure by 20 to 30% .
• Iridotomy: It is a procedure in which a microscopic hole is created in the iris, allowing the flow of fluid to the front of the eyes and removes blockage.

Surgery:

• Trabeculectomy: A surgery to create a new pathway for eye fluids to be drained. It helps lower the eye pressure and prevents eye loss.
• Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): It uses microscopic instruments that facilitate small incision surgery.

Medications:

• Eyedrops: There are so many eyedrops available that help to lower eye pressure by helping fluid drain from the eyes. Some of these eyedrops are: Bimatoprost, Travoprost, Latanoprost and Tafulprost.
• Oral medications: There are oral medications such as Acetazolamide that help lower intraocular pressure. Acetazolamide is used when there's a need for rapid lowering of eye pressure.

Prevention:

Glaucoma isn't always preventable. However, the risk of loss of vision can be reduced with regular eye examination, early treatment and a change in lifestyle. Some of these are:

• Managing diabetes: Diabetic people are more likely to develop glaucoma compared to non-diabetic people. Therefore it is advised to control your diabetes.
• Protect eyes from injuries: Protect your eyes from injuries that can lead to glaucoma in future.
• Eat healthy: Eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of glaucoma.
• General eye care: Reduce screen time and reduce the brightness of your TV, computer or cellphone. Avoiding screen time in dim or dark areas helps reduce overall eye strain.
• Regular eye examination: Do regular eye checkups to catch glaucoma during the early stage.

What is Bimatoprost:

Bimatoprost is a medication that’s used to treat ocular hypertension such as glaucoma. It is generally used in the form of eye drops. Bimatoprost is the generic word for the medicine that is sold under various brand names such as Lumigan, Careprost and others. Bimatoprost also has some cosmetic uses too. It stimulates melanogenesis which leads to increased pigmentation of eyelashes and helps it grow longer, thicker and darker.

How Bimatoprost works:

Bimatoprost mimics the effect of natural prostaglandins. Prostaglandin is a hormone-like substance affecting several bodily functions such as pain and inflammation. Bimatoprost provides relief from Intraocular Pressure that damages the optic nerve that causes glaucoma. Bimatoprost increases the drainage of the fluid known as aqueous humor. By ensuring fluid leaves the eye efficiently, it prevents the pressure buildup that damages the optic nerve.

In Conclusion:

Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight," but it doesn't have to lead to blindness. Early detection through regular eye exams is your best defense. With treatments ranging from medications like Bimatoprost to advanced surgeries, managing intraocular pressure is more achievable than ever. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, visit your Ophthalmologist.

FAQs:

Q. What causes Glaucoma?

A. Glaucoma is commonly caused by fluid buildup inside the eye that increases pressure. Risk factors include aging, family history, diabetes, high eye pressure, steroid use, and certain ethnic backgrounds.

Q. What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

A. Early-stage glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms. As the condition progresses, you may experience blurred vision, eye pain, halos around lights, redness, or gradual peripheral vision loss.

Q. Who is at risk of developing glaucoma?

A. People over 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics, individuals with high eye pressure, and long-term steroid users are at higher risk.

Q. Can glaucoma cause blindness?

A. Yes. If it is not treated early, it can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness. Regular eye screening is essential for prevention.

Q. What is Bimatoprost?

A. Bimatoprost (known as careprost) is a prescription eye drop used to lower high eye pressure in conditions such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Q. How does Bimatoprost work?

A. Bimatoprost increases the drainage of fluid from inside the eye, helping reduce intraocular pressure and prevent optic nerve damage.