Causes?

 Glaucoma is the result of damage to the optic nerve. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, a blind spot occurs in the visual field. This nerve damage is often associated with increased intraocular pressure for reasons doctors don't fully understand.

 The increase in intraocular pressure is due to the accumulation of fluid (aqueous humor) passing through the eye. This internal fluid is normally drained through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork at the angle where the iris meets the cornea. If a large amount of water is produced or the drainage system is not working properly, the water cannot be drained at the normal rate and the intraocular pressure rises.

 Glaucoma tends to run in families. In some people, scientists have identified genes associated with high intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.

 Types of glaucoma include:

 Open Angle Glaucoma

 Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. The drainage angle created by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. This will gradually increase the intraocular pressure. This pressure damages the optic nerve. It happens so slowly that you may lose your eyesight before you notice the problem.

 Angle-closure glaucoma

 Angle-closure glaucoma, also known as angle-closure glaucoma, occurs when the iris protrudes forward and narrows or blocks the drainage angle created by the cornea and iris. As a result, the fluid cannot circulate in the eye and the pressure rises. Some people have narrow drainage angles, which puts them at higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma.

 Angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly (acute angle-closure glaucoma) or gradually (chronic angle-closure glaucoma). Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.

 Normal tension glaucoma

 In normal-tension glaucoma, your optic nerve is damaged even if your eye pressure is in the normal range. No one knows the exact reason for this. You may have a sensitive optic nerve or less blood going to your optic nerve. This limited blood flow can be caused by atherosclerosis (accumulation of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries) or other conditions that impair circulation.

 Glaucoma in children

 Infants and children can have glaucoma. It may be present from birth or develop in the first few years of life. Optic nerve damage can be caused by drainage blockages or an underlying medical condition.

 Pigmented glaucoma

 In pigmented glaucoma, pigment granules in the iris collect in the drainage canal, slowing or blocking the flow of fluid from the eye. Activities such as running can agitate the pigment granules and deposit them on the trabecular meshwork, causing intermittent pressure spikes.

Prevention

 These self-help steps help identify glaucoma in the early stages. This is important to prevent or slow the progression of vision loss.

 Get regular eye exams. Regular, comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma in the early stages before more extensive damage occurs. As a general rule, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that anyone under the age of 40 undergo a comprehensive ophthalmic exam every 5-10 years. For 40-54 years, every 2-4 years. Between 55-64 years, every 1-3 years. Every 1-2 years for people over 65. If you are at risk for glaucoma, you should check more often. Ask your doctor to recommend the right screening program for you.

Know your family history of eye health. Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you are at risk, you may need to check more often. Train safely. Regular and moderate exercise helps prevent glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate exercise program.

Take the prescribed eye drops regularly. Glaucoma eye drops can significantly reduce the risk of high intraocular pressure progressing to glaucoma. To be effective, you should use the eye drops recommended by your doctor regularly, even if you are asymptomatic.

Use eye protection. Serious eye injuries can cause glaucoma. Wear eye protection when using power tools or playing high-speed racquet sports in a confined space.