Everything you need to know about glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that specifically affects the optic nerve.
The optic nerve is necessary for the transmission of visual information from the eye to the brain, where it is interpreted.
The damage to the optic nerve that occurs during glaucoma leads to alteration and destruction of the nerve fibers. These physical alterations reduce the transmission of visual information via the optic nerve and lead to progressive vision loss, eventually resulting in blindness.
Glaucoma is considered to be the 2nd leading cause of blindness worldwide (OPC 2012).
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GLAUCOMA ?
In the majority of cases, glaucoma , an eye disease, This is linked to an increase in intraocular pressure : the pressure of the fluid inside the eye (the aqueous humor) increases. This fluid is normally constantly renewed and flows through a specific area: the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular meshwork can become blocked and prevent the flow of aqueous humor, thus causing an increase in intraocular pressure.
It is this increase in pressure that damages the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve.
What are the different types of glaucoma?
- Open-angle glaucoma : This is the most common type, caused by decreased permeability of the trabecular meshwork, which then traps fluid and causes increased pressure that damages nerve fibers. It is a progressive condition.
- Angle-closure glaucoma : less common, this type involves an altered anatomy of the eye, preventing fluid from reaching the trabecular meshwork and thus leading to increased pressure. It can develop suddenly and cause severe pain (but not always). It is a fairly aggressive form of glaucoma.
- Glaucomas of vascular or neurological origin : these are not linked to an increase in intraocular pressure and are quite rare.
How can glaucoma be prevented?
The incidence of glaucoma increases from the age of 40. Glaucoma affects 1 to 2% of the population over 40 and 10% of those over 70 .
It is important to have regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist after age 40. This includes measuring intraocular pressure (a quick and completely painless test). This screening is crucial because optic nerve damage is progressive, and the disease only becomes truly problematic in its later stages.
There is a genetic predisposition to glaucoma; family history should prompt early and regular screening.
Other risk factors include:
- age (>60 years)
- Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases
- myopia
- hypothyroidism
- eye injuries
- Ethnic origin: people of African, Asian or Scandinavian origin
- smoking
- the use of corticosteroid eye drops
- a cornea that is too thin
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Symptoms of glaucoma include those affecting vision, but not only that:
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headaches
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eye pain (eyeache)
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the appearance of a red eye
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photosensitivity
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an impression of a reduced field of vision, an alteration of peripheral vision
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a feeling of blurriness, of visual fog
Is glaucoma curable? How is glaucoma treated?
When the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve, which runs from the eye to the brain, are damaged, it is too late for them: it is impossible to restore the damaged fibers . The goal of treatment is to prevent the destruction of new fibers.
The main treatment aims to reduce intraocular pressure, primarily through the use of eye drops:
- Beta-blocker eye drops
- Prostaglandin analogue eye drops
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drops
- Glaucoma eye drops
If treatment fails, laser treatment or surgery may be offered to restore trabecular permeability.
Sight and Phytocea
At Phytocea , we are committed to taking care of our eyes. We have developed ORetine . ORetine is a vision supplement designed to provide the best possible nutrients for eye and retinal function and to help prevent certain diseases. ORetine includes ginkgo, which may contribute to the improvement and prevention of glaucoma through its action on ocular circulation.
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