Glaucoma: The Silent Killer of Sight

The eye disease glaucoma is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is often called the “silent killer of vision” because of its ability to progress without visible symptoms and eventually lead to permanent vision loss if not treated in time. In this text, we will explore what glaucoma is, how it occurs, and what are the treatment options.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that together form the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This disease is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which usually results in progressive loss of peripheral vision. The most common type of glaucoma is open glaucoma , but there are other subtypes, such as closed glaucoma, which differ in their development mechanisms and symptoms.

How do you get glaucoma?

Although the exact cause of glaucoma is not fully understood, there are risk factors that increase the chances of its development:

• Increased intraocular pressure: pressure that is too high can damage the optic nerve.
• Heredity: A family history of glaucoma increases the risk.
• Age: Older people are more susceptible.
• Ethnicity: African-American and Hispanic populations have an increased predisposition.
• Diabetes and hypertension: both conditions can contribute to the development of glaucoma.

Symptoms of glaucoma

Glaucoma in the early stages often passes without symptoms, but later they can appear:

• Decreased peripheral vision
• Increased sensitivity to light and flashes
• Changes in the field of vision (blind spots)
• Eye pain
• Changes in iris color

How is glaucoma treated?

Treatment aims to preserve existing vision and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. The most common methods include:

• Medicines: mainly eye drops that reduce intraocular pressure.
• Surgical procedures: creation of new drainage channels in more severe cases.
• Laser therapy: opening new channels or reducing the production of eye fluid to reduce pressure.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness if not treated in time. This is why regular ophthalmological examinations are crucial, especially for people with risk factors or when symptoms appear. Early detection and proper treatment of glaucoma are crucial for preserving vision and preventing the progression of the disease.

📞 To schedule an inspection, call: 024 45 45 000 or 060 55 75 754