Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of progressive eye disorders that damage the optic nerve, the crucial pathway transmitting visual signals from the eye to the brain. While increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is a major risk factor, optic nerve damage can also occur with normal IOP. The optic nerve is made up of over a million nerve fibers, and once these are lost, the damage is permanent. Glaucoma is classified into several types: primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), angle-closure glaucoma (ACG), normal-tension glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma, which may result from trauma, inflammation, medications, or other eye conditions. POAG is the most common and progresses slowly, whereas ACG can develop suddenly and requires immediate intervention. Risk factors include advancing age, family history, diabetes, hypertension, myopia, prolonged corticosteroid use, and certain systemic conditions. Diagnosis involves measuring IOP using tonometry, evaluating optic nerve health via ophthalmoscopy, assessing visual fields with perimetry, and imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect early nerve fiber layer loss. Management focuses on lowering IOP to slow optic nerve damage, using eye drops, laser treatments, or surgical procedures. Continuous monitoring is essential, as glaucoma-related vision loss is irreversible but preventable with timely treatment.