Glaucoma is an umbrella term for eye diseases that cause pressure to build up inside the eyeball. This can damage delicate, critical parts at the back of the eye. Most of these diseases are progressive, which means they gradually get worse. As they do, they can eventually cause permanent vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have near or distant vision impairment. In at least 1 billion of these, vision impairment could have been prevented or is yet to be addressed. It is estimated that globally only 36% of people with a distance vision impairment due to refractive error and only 17% of people with vision impairment due to cataracts have received access to an appropriate intervention. Vision loss can affect people of all ages; however, most people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50 years.
The primary cause of glaucoma is fluid buildup in the eye, which increases pressure and damages the optic nerve. Risk factors include age, family history, certain medical conditions like diabetes, and prolonged use of corticosteroid medications.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma progresses slowly and may not show noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Angle-closure glaucoma, on the other hand, is a medical emergency with symptoms such as severe eye pain, nausea, and sudden vision loss.
Prevention includes regular eye exams to detect early signs of glaucoma, especially for individuals at risk. Treatment options range from medications to lower eye pressure, laser therapy, or surgery to improve fluid drainage.
While glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss, early detection and treatment can effectively preserve sight and prevent further damage.
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