Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that lead to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which can gradually damage the optic nerve located at the back of the eye. The optic nerve plays a crucial role in vision by transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. When this nerve is compromised, it can result in progressive vision loss and, if left untreated, eventual blindness.
Types of Glaucoma:
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Most common type
Caused by slow blockage of drainage canals
Usually painless and asymptomatic in early stages
Gradual increase in eye pressure leads to gradual loss of peripheral vision
Angle Closure Glaucoma (Closed Angle Glaucoma)
Less common but more severe type
Caused by sudden rise in eye pressure caused by Iris causing blockage of drainage angle
It’s a kind of medical emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
Most common type
Caused by slow blockage of drainage canals
Usually painless and asymptomatic in early stages
Gradual increase in eye pressure leads to gradual loss of peripheral vision
Normal Tension Glaucoma
Damage to the optic nerve occurs even when eye pressure is within normal range
The cause of this is unknown (involves poor blood flow to the optic nerve)
Secondary Glaucoma
Caused by underlying eye condition (Uveitis)/ injury (Trauma)/ certain medication (Steroid)
Congenital (Childhood) Glaucoma
Occurrence is very rare
Present at birth or develops in early childhood
Caused by improper development of eye drainage system
What are the causes and risk factors of glaucoma?
Diagnosis:
There are many theories about the causes of glaucoma, but the exact cause is unknown. Although the disease is usually associated with an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye, other theories include a lack of adequate blood supply to the nerve.
Primary Open Angle Glaucoma- One theory about its development is that the eye’s drainage becomes insufficient over the period of time. Another theory suggests poor blood flow (perfusion) to the optic nerve.
Angle Closure Glaucoma- Many people who develop this type have a very narrow drainage angle. With age, the lens of the eye increases in size, pushing the Iris forward, which leads to a narrowing of the space between the Iris and the Cornea. As this angle narrows, fluid in the eye is blocked from the drainage system. The acute form of Angle Closure Glaucoma occurs when the Iris completely blocks fluid drainage.
Normal Tension Glaucoma- Eye pressure (IOP) remains within normal range, but the optic nerve is damaged nevertheless. Usually caused due to decreased blood supply to the Optic Nerve because of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Secondary Glaucoma- Can result from various factors such as eye injury, eye disease, and occasionally eye surgery. These conditions can elevate IOP, leading to optic nerve damage and functional defects similar to those seen in primary open-angle glaucoma. One notable mechanism of secondary open-angle glaucoma arises from laser surgery, which can trigger pigment release, inflammatory cell accumulation, debris deposition, and mechanical deformation. These factors can collectively obstruct the trabecular meshwork, contributing to elevated IOP levels.
What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
The signs or symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type. Primary open-angle glaucoma often develops slowly and painlessly, with no early warning signs. It can gradually destroy one's vision without even knowing it. The first indication that a person has glaucoma may occur after some vision has been lost.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma results from a sudden blockage of drainage channels in the eye, causing a rapid buildup of pressure. In this form of the disease, a patient would have blurred vision, the appearance of halos or colored rings around lights, and pain and redness in the eye.
Some times Glaucoma patients develop symptoms such as:
Red eye
Intense eye pain
Blurred vision
Headache
Seeing Rainbow coloured circles around bright lights.
Feeling of sick and nauseated.
A key symptom of glaucoma is a gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision, often unnoticed in the early stages. Over time, this can lead to tunnel vision. In some cases, people may also experience blurred vision, eye pain, or see halos around lights if the condition worsens.
How Homeopathy helps in treatment of Glaucoma?
By improving aqueous humor drainage, homeopathic medicines help lower eye pressure. They aid in the gentle contraction of the ciliary muscles, which opens the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm’s canal, enhancing aqueous humor outflow. This mechanism supports the reduction of intraocular pressure. Homeopathic medicines may also help improve angle width in narrow-angle glaucoma. Additionally, they provide symptomatic relief from redness and eye pain commonly associated with glaucoma.
