There are mainly two types of glaucoma: acute angle-closure glaucoma and chronic or primary open-angel glaucoma. Chronic glaucoma has no obvious symptoms during its process of decreasing your peripheral vision. The result is that you can only see objects straight ahead. Unlike primary open-angle glaucoma, another form of open-angle glaucoma has normal IOP level, which is called normal-tension glaucoma. This type of glaucoma has no other different features with primary open-angle glaucoma. Also called narrow angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma brings unexpected symptoms such as eye pain, headaches, halos, red eye etc... These symptoms appear in certain periods.
In order to save your eyesight, all types of glaucoma need to be detected and treated early. However, there is a form of glaucoma that must be treated immediately and constitutes a medical emergency. It is called angle closure glaucoma or acute angle glaucoma, and it can cause a very rapid increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) quickly causing damage to the optic nerve and vision loss.
Angle closure glaucoma does produce noticeable symptoms that can include:
• Nausea and/or vomiting • Vision loss • Seeing halos around lights • Headaches • Eye pain
Common Glaucoma
The most common type of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma.
Fluid that is produced inside the eye must have a way to escape or the pressure inside of your eye builds up, damaging the optic nerve. This fluid normally exits through a part of the eye called the open angle. In primary open angle glaucoma the open angle slowly gets clogged and the fluid cannot drain out.
If your vision has already failed, laser surgery will not help in restoring your vision. However, it will help in preventing further loss of your eyesight. Glaucoma is a progressive disease which will eventually lead to blindness. If not treated soon enough, it will lead to complete blindness.
During the treatment process, patients will see flashes of colored light and may feel a stinging sensation. A special type of contact lens may be used in order to help direct the laser beam towards the correct part of your eyes. Patients are usually able to resume their normal activities the day after laser treatment; although it may take up to 4 weeks before the pressure in your eyes completely drop.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed to prevent vision loss.
The first line of treatment for most patients is the use of special eye drops that keep IOP down to a safe level. There are several different types of drops available. Some work by helping the fluid drain in various ways. Others reduce the production of fluid inside the eye.
Glaucoma can also be treated with surgery that helps the eye drain. There are several types of surgery and they help the eye drain in different ways. Again, the goal is to reduce pressure inside of the eye and stop or prevent damage to the optic nerve.
You may be interested in reading Causes of Glaucoma and Glaucoma Herbal Remedies. Also read more on Weak Vision |