Glaucoma

glaucomatous neuropathy

glaucomatous neuropathy

Glaucoma

 Glaucoma is a neurological condition, caused by multiple factors, where the optic nerve, located at the back of the eye becomes damaged. Most commonly the damage is associated with a pressure rise inside the eye, but not always.

There are multifactorial triggers implicated in being responsible. Among  those is the architectural layout a sheath through which nerve fibres pass ,called Lamina Cribrosa,and its fenestrations.

As this nerve transmits light impulses from the eye to the brain any insult to this nerve can have profound impact on the vision.

The optic nerve appearance of early glaucoma takes on a very characteristic appearance. This unusual optic nerve anatomy can be detected before symptoms arise. Frequent 2 yearly visits are recommended to screen for early signs of damage.

 

 

 

 

Low tension glaucoma .

This subset of glaucoma is less common as optic nerve damage results when eye pressures are in a normal range. Some people have associated history of migraines, arterio-venous malformations, impaired vasogenic control,eye trauma, or brain injury.

High Tension Glaucoma

This is the commonest form, and is accompanied by pressure build up inside the eye. The eyes internal fluid pressure builds up, either due  to excessive production, or through  impeded drainage. The mechanism of damage involved is believed to be different from Low Tension Glaucoma.

Angle Closure Glaucoma

This is a specific subset of glaucoma whereby the internal eye drainage system closes off leading to excessive pressure spike within the eye and fast destruction of the optic nerve. This glaucoma subtype is a medical emergency. People with very specific anatomy are predisposed to this attack.

Congenital Glaucoma

Found in new born babies whose eyes drainage system has not formed properly. The baby can have a whitish glazed over look of their pupils.

Can I tell if I have Glaucoma?

Usually no, unless permanent and profound damage has occurred to the Optic Nerve, at which stage treatment is often too late.

In the rare forms of glaucoma, called angle closure glaucoma attacks, individuals may complain of headaches, and light sensitivity, and blurry vision. This is a very rare, and is viewed as an aggressive form of glaucoma.

Glaucoma Risk Factors

Generally glaucoma risk rises above 40 years of age and every decade thereafter. Having relatives with the disease, being on some medications, having narrower eye drainage channels, having history of previous eye trauma,being myopic, increases your risk.There are more risk factors at play, please discuss these with our practitioners.

A quick check list of risk factors;

  • –         migraine history
  • –         steroid use or certain medications that work on central nervous system
  • –         history of eye injury
  • –         high eye pressure
  • –         long or short sightedness
  • –         diabetes
  • –         family history

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