Glaucoma the silent Thief of Sight

What is Glaucoma ?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually steals your vision. Usually, glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages. Without proper treatment, glaucoma can lead to blindness. But with regular eye exams, early detection and treatment, you can preserve your sight.

The inner pressure of the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP) is dependent on the balance between production and drainage of aqueous fluid in the eye. If your eye’s drainage system is working properly, then fluid can drain freely out and prevent a build-up. Likewise, if your eye’s fluid system is working properly, then the right amount of fluid can be produced. Your IOP can vary during the day, but normally stays within a manageable range.

In most types of glaucoma, the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged so the intraocular fluid cannot drain. As the fluid builds up, it causes pressure to build inside the eye. High pressure damages the sensitive optic nerve and results in vision loss.

The treatment of glaucoma is currently directed toward lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent or slow progression of optic nerve head damage.