Glaucoma is known as the ”silent thief of sight” since it does not present perceptible symptoms until the disease is well advanced; its late detection could lead to total loss of vision.
It occurs when the pressure inside the eye rises above normal. Even though there are many causes, the most common occurs due to an obstruction of drainage of aqueous humor: the fluid that circulates inside the eye and gives its tone.
The chronic glaucoma, the most frequent variety, has no symptoms at the onset of the disease, but when the problem is more advanced there is a gradual narrowing of peripheral vision called ”tunnel vision”.
In contrast, in the case of acute glaucoma there is severe ocular pain, vision loss, profuse tearing, and halos around lights, accompanied frequently by poor general condition with intense headache, nausea and even vomiting.
Who can suffer glaucoma?
The risk of developing chronic glaucoma is possible after the age of 35; also it is more frequent in people with high myopia, diabetes, black race, or patients with familiar antecedents.
Acute glaucoma is more frequent in hyperopic people or Asian patients.
Can glaucoma be cured?
Unfortunately there is no cure but it can be controlled with proper treatment.
To preserve the visual health, prevention is fundamental. Thereby, only an early diagnosis in the hands of specialists will make the treatment to be successful. It can be treated with medication, laser or surgery, depending on the degree of development of the disease.
