Glaucoma
DEFINITION
Glaucoma is the name given to a group of conditions
characterised by damage to the optic nerve, usually following an
increase in pressure of the fluid within the eyeball. This pressure
is called intraocular pressure. This is usually accompanied by a
loss of vision which may vary from a slight loss of vision to
complete blindness.
characterised by damage to the optic nerve, usually following an
increase in pressure of the fluid within the eyeball. This pressure
is called intraocular pressure. This is usually accompanied by a
loss of vision which may vary from a slight loss of vision to
complete blindness.
DESCRIPTION
Glaucoma usually occurs in people over 40 years of age. The
eye is filled with a liquid called aqueous humour, secreted by
membranes lining the eye. Normal pressure within the eye is
maintained by allowing some of this fluid to drain away via an
outflow pathway. When the outflow pathway is blocked for some
reason, aqueous humour continues to build up causing an increase in
pressure within the eyeball. Increased pressure can eventually
damage the delicate optic nerve at the back of the eye, causing
scarring. This nerve is the link between your eyes and brain. Blood
supply may also be reduced to the optic nerve fibres. Untreated
Glaucoma can lead to blindness.
eye is filled with a liquid called aqueous humour, secreted by
membranes lining the eye. Normal pressure within the eye is
maintained by allowing some of this fluid to drain away via an
outflow pathway. When the outflow pathway is blocked for some
reason, aqueous humour continues to build up causing an increase in
pressure within the eyeball. Increased pressure can eventually
damage the delicate optic nerve at the back of the eye, causing
scarring. This nerve is the link between your eyes and brain. Blood
supply may also be reduced to the optic nerve fibres. Untreated
Glaucoma can lead to blindness.
Categories of Glaucoma include:
Primary Glaucoma
- Open-angle Glaucoma.
- Closed angle Glaucoma.
- Congenital (infantile) Glaucoma.
Primary Glaucoma accounts for most diagnosed Glaucoma cases.
This condition may result in peripheral (side) vision loss or
coloured halos around lights. There is gradual vision loss over a
period of years affecting both eyes. Pain may be felt in the eye
from increased pressure within the eyeball. Other symptoms include
mild headaches and vague visual problems. A frequent need to change
prescriptions for glasses may also be a warning sign. This
condition can often have no obvious symptoms and may only be
detected on medical examination.
This condition may result in peripheral (side) vision loss or
coloured halos around lights. There is gradual vision loss over a
period of years affecting both eyes. Pain may be felt in the eye
from increased pressure within the eyeball. Other symptoms include
mild headaches and vague visual problems. A frequent need to change
prescriptions for glasses may also be a warning sign. This
condition can often have no obvious symptoms and may only be
detected on medical examination.
Secondary Glaucoma: this type of Glaucoma arises because of a
pre-existing disease of the eye such as a tumour, an enlarged
cataract or inflammation within the eye.
pre-existing disease of the eye such as a tumour, an enlarged
cataract or inflammation within the eye.
Absolute Glaucoma: this type of Glaucoma is likely to appear as
the end stage of all Glaucomas. Early diagnosis and treatment helps
to minimise the chances of Glaucoma progressing to this stage.
Always consult your Doctor if you suspect there is a problem with
your eyes.
the end stage of all Glaucomas. Early diagnosis and treatment helps
to minimise the chances of Glaucoma progressing to this stage.
Always consult your Doctor if you suspect there is a problem with
your eyes.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions, always consult your Doctor. Your
Doctor will diagnose and treat this condition and can provide you
with the latest advice on this ailment. Glaucoma is diagnosed by
your Doctor through a simple and painless test. Your Doctor may
prescribe eye drops that can help control the onset of the disease.
In all cases, remain under the supervision of your Doctor. Drugs
are commonly used in the management of Glaucoma, although some
cases may be referred for surgical management.
Doctor will diagnose and treat this condition and can provide you
with the latest advice on this ailment. Glaucoma is diagnosed by
your Doctor through a simple and painless test. Your Doctor may
prescribe eye drops that can help control the onset of the disease.
In all cases, remain under the supervision of your Doctor. Drugs
are commonly used in the management of Glaucoma, although some
cases may be referred for surgical management.
DIET HINTS
- Vitamin C helps maintain the strength of collagen in the body.
Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (citrus fruits,
cabbage, pineapple, potato, parsley and broccoli) in the diet each
day. - Bioflavonoids assist with the normal metabolism of collagen in
the body. Bioflavonoids are also found in fruits and vegetables,
particularly the pith of citrus fruits. - Vitamin B1 deficiency may be associated with Glaucoma. Include
whole grains, wheatgerm, nuts, liver and pork in the diet. - Eliminate any possible food allergens. See the Food Allergies
topic on the Healthpoint. - Avoid caffeine as it may affect fluid pressure in the eye.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
Vitamins and minerals may only be of assistance if dietary
intake is inadequate. Always stay on the medication prescribed by
your Doctor.
intake is inadequate. Always stay on the medication prescribed by
your Doctor.
- Vitamin C combines well the bioflavonoid rutin to
reduce pain and intraocular pressure. - Chromium is particularly important for people with diabetes as
it can assist with their blood sugar balance and prevention of
glaucoma. - Magnesium can lower eye pressure by relaxing the blood vessels
supplying the eye. - Bilberry may help prevent future blood vessel damage in the
eye. Bilberry may help maintain night vision. - Ginkgo has been shown to be beneficial for glaucoma as it can
improve bood flow and contains flavonoids which support eye
structure and function. - Eyebright is useful in the treatment of many eye
disorders.
NOTES
It is essential that the pressure in the eyes is tested
regularly, particularly in individuals with a family history of
Glaucoma.
regularly, particularly in individuals with a family history of
Glaucoma.
Everyone over 40 years of age should have an eye test at least
every 2 years. The disease creeps up on the sufferer and it is
initially easy to dismiss vision loss as a consequence of advancing
age. If there is any doubt, see your Doctor immediately.
every 2 years. The disease creeps up on the sufferer and it is
initially easy to dismiss vision loss as a consequence of advancing
age. If there is any doubt, see your Doctor immediately.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
Glaucoma Australia Inc Tel: (02) 9906 6640 Fax (02) 9439
8736.
8736.
Glaucoma Support Group:
http://home.vicnet.net.au/glaucoma/
http://home.vicnet.net.au/glaucoma/
For more help and information see the Vision Support Services
topic.
topic.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
- Follow the Diet Hints.
- If you have any queries regarding your prescriptive medication,
ask your Pharmacist. It is very important to use the medication on
a regular basis. - Hints On Using Eye Drops: Use drops regularly. Keeping the
drops cool (in the refrigerator) helps to feel the drops go into
the eye. Keep an extra bottle of eye drops available so that you
never run out. Always use the drops even when the eyesight is
blurred and the eyes are uncomfortable. If you are using more than
one type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes before inserting the
different drop.
