Exploring the Different Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” due to its asymptomatic progression until vision is compromised in the advanced stages. Glaucoma is not a single eye disease but rather a group of diseases that share a common feature-damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain to process the images we see. This group of diseases causes increased intraocular pressure that compromises blood flow, resulting in gradual nerve damage. Early detection is critical in managing glaucoma and preventing irreversible vision loss. Currently a public health challenge, glaucoma poses a risk of permanent vision loss to millions of individuals worldwide.

In exploring the different types of glaucoma, most ophthalmologists will divide glaucoma into 2 main categories based on unique characteristics and risks factors: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. One of the hallmarks of open-angle glaucoma is its asymptomatic progression until vision is compromised in the advanced stages. In normal function, the drainage angle of the eye remains open allowing aqueous humor to flow out of the eye; with open-angle glaucoma, the drainage channels within the eye become blocked or clogged over time, leading to a gradual increase to intraocular pressure. This elevation in IOP places physical strain on the optic nerve. Peripheral vision, the experience of tunnel vision, is one of the first indicators of glaucoma. Blurred or hazy vision, halos around lights and increased IOP diagnosed in a routine eye exam will reveal open-angle glaucoma. Treatment options aim to reduce intraocular pressure with prescription eye drops, laser therapy or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. Angle-closure glaucoma, although rare, demands swift and immediate intervention. It differs from open-angle glaucoma in its mechanism of aqueous humor drainage obstruction. In this condition, the drainage angle between the cornea and iris narrows, impeding the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. As a result, intraocular pressure (IOP) rapidly increases, exerting pressure on the optic nerve and leading to acute vision loss if left untreated. Symptoms are sudden and severe that include severe eye pain, abrupt blurred vision, seeing rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights, headaches usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and redness or swelling of the eye. Treatment options can range from topical and oral medications to immediate laser peripheral iridotomy, a procedure used to create a small hole in the iris to allow the aqueous humor to flow freely and relieve the angle closure. 

Routine eye exams serve as the cornerstone for early detection and intervention for all kinds of eye disease. During these comprehensive assessments, eye care professionals perform a series of tests designed to evaluate various aspects of ocular health including glaucoma. Measuring intraocular pressure, the primary indicator of glaucoma, is standard in comprehensive eye exams. Visual field testing assesses the extent and severity of peripheral vision loss, a characteristic feature of glaucoma. Ophthalmoscopy allows for visualization of the optic nerve to detect any signs of damage. Gonioscopy allows the eye doctor to view the width of the drainage angle, an essential component of diagnosing angle-closure glaucoma. 
Prevention is better than the cure. To safeguard your vision from the detriments of glaucoma, schedule your eye exam at Pennachio Eye by calling Pennachio Eye or visiting WEBSITE.