The eyes are our most important sensory organs, both complex and sensitive. Many eye diseases may affect our vision, bringing terrible consequences to the way we perceive the world around us. These include harmless eye diseases such as chronic dry eye, vitreous opacities, and strabismus, as well as cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. This blog will bring helpful knowledge about glaucoma.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by damage to the optic nerve, usually due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). It is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it can cause irreversible vision loss without any symptoms until it’s too late.
Causes of glaucoma
Glaucoma is mainly caused by the increase in intraocular pressure (eye pressure). The anterior chamber located in front of the eye is filled with clear secretion (aqueous humor) that constantly flows in and out through the anterior chamber angle. If the flow of aqueous humor is blocked and cannot be drained, it will lead to an increase in eye pressure, causing compression of the optic nerve, poor blood circulation, and damage to the optic nerve.
People with high myopia and long-term use of corticosteroid medicines, especially eye drops, or a history of eye trauma, are more likely to develop glaucoma. In addition, systemic diseases such as migraines, Raynaud’s phenomenon, low blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and others are also associated with an increased risk of glaucoma.
Development of Glaucoma
- Structure of the eye
The eye has a spherical shape, with the cornea at the front, the iris behind it, the pupil at the center, and the lens suspended behind the pupil. The space between the cornea and the lens is filled with aqueous humor (AH), a clear fluid that is continuously produced inside the eye. This fluid carries nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the eye and helps maintain the intraocular pressure (IOP). - Maintenance of IOP
The intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye depends on the balance between the production and outflow of AH. AH is produced in the ciliary body behind the iris, flows through the pupil, and exits through the trabecular meshwork. In a healthy eye, there is a balance between the production and outflow of AH. Elevated IOP usually occurs when there is a restriction in the outflow of AH. - Damage to the optic nerve
The eye needs a certain level of pressure to maintain its shape, but if the pressure is too high, it can damage the optic nerve. This damage can occur by reducing the blood supply to the optic nerve and directly damaging the nerve cells. Damage to the optic nerve caused by elevated pressure is diagnosed as glaucoma.
Symptoms of glaucoma
Glaucoma, apart from when it occurs causing a sudden rapid increase in eye pressure, other symptoms are usually only noticeable when significant damage is done to the optic nerve and/or retina. The typical symptoms include watery eyes and vision loss, such as distorted peripheral vision and narrowing of the outer visual field. Glaucoma can sometimes cause central vision loss or the appearance of colorful halos when looking at bright light sources.
During an acute episode or glaucoma attack, eye pressure will suddenly and sharply rise. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as red eyes, hardening of the eyeball, eye pain and headaches, nausea, vomiting, and fixed pupils (pupils do not react to light), and sudden blindness may also occur.
Current research on glaucoma
Currently, there are some great advancements in glaucoma research and drug development in glaucoma, including:
- “The Role of Inflammation in the Pathogenesis of Glaucoma” – This research investigates the role of inflammation in the development and progression of glaucoma, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory therapies as a treatment strategy.
- “Advances in Imaging Technologies for Glaucoma Diagnosis and Monitoring” – This study reviews recent advances in imaging technologies for the early detection and monitoring of glaucoma, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis in preventing vision loss.
- “Genetic Risk Factors for Glaucoma and Exfoliation Syndrome Identified by Genome” – This research published on PubMed Central explores the genetic risk factors associated with glaucoma, providing insights into the underlying genetic mechanisms of the disease.
Research into glaucoma has made significant strides in recent years, bringing hope to those affected by this debilitating disease. New treatments and medications have been developed that can help slow the progression of glaucoma and preserve vision. Additionally, advancements in surgical techniques have made surgery a more effective option for those with severe cases of glaucoma. With continued research and development, there is optimism that a cure for glaucoma may be on the horizon.
