Causes and Symptoms Of Glaucoma

Causes and Symptoms

A clear, transparent liquid called aqueous humor through the inner eye continuously. This flow can compare to one in a sink with the faucet turned the time. If the drainpipe system gets clogged, collects in the sink. If the drainage system of the gets similarly blocked, the fluid pressure within the inner eye increases and can cause damage to the optic nerve. The ‘pipes’ can get blocked at four routes:

• Most commonly, the ‘drainpipe’ becomes smaller with age, clogged by atherosclerosis deposits which build up slowly in some people. This partial blockage causes a gradual increase of pressure within the eye. This is known as chronic open-angle glaucoma because it develops slowly over a period of time. Most adult glaucoma patients have this type of glaucoma. Chronic open-angle glaucoma can steal vision so quietly that the patient is unaware of trouble until the optic nerve is badly damaged. Because no symptoms occur, the best way to diagnose this form of glaucoma is by periodic medical eye examinations.
  
• Second, the ‘drainpipe’ may have been incorrectly ‘manufactured’. This type of defect is seen in congenital glaucoma, where the drainage openings are abnormal from birth. Since an infant’s eye has more elasticity than an adult’s, when pressure inside the eye increases the easily stretchable eye may enlarge. The front of the eye may become cloudy, like fog on a windshield. The infant may be sensitive to light and tear excessively. This is a rare condition. However, such symptoms or other suspicion of trouble in the eyes of an infant or child warrant an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist.
  
• Third, a sheet of tissue may float near the drain, suddenly drop over the opening, close up the drainage area, and block the outflow. In the eye, the iris may act like the sheet of tissue and press against the drainage area and close it off. Fluid backs up and increases eye pressure rapidly. Such a sudden and complete blockage of fluid flowing out of the eye results in acute angle-closure glaucoma. Blurred vision, severe pain, rainbow halos around lights, nausea and vomiting should bring the patient quickly to an eye physician. Unless this condition is relieved promptly, blindness can result in a few days.
  
• Fourth, other conditions including injuries, certain drugs, hemorrhages, tumors and inflammations in other components of the eye can sometimes block outflow channels in the eye. This may increase inner eye pressure and lead to secondary glaucoma.