Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Read below to find out more about what our teams are doing to help improve eye care for those impacted by glaucoma in communities around the world.

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness tells us the term ‘glaucoma’ relates to a group of conditions that can be classified in a variety of ways, but all of which are characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss.

The human eye is filled with a clear liquid which is made continuously and then drained away, always keeping the same amount of liquid in the eye.

When the opening that allows the liquid to drain is closed, more and more liquid will build up in the eye increasing the pressure. Over time, this increased pressure can damage the eye and cause reduced vision and then blindness which cannot be reversed.

There are several types of glaucoma, these are: 

• Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) which develops from an unknown cause
• Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma (PACG) which develops from an unknown cause and can cause a lot of pain
• Secondary glaucoma which develops from a known cause, usually due to a serious eye injury, cataract, tumor, or diabetes
• Developmental (Congenital) glaucoma is a rare condition which occurs in babies and children

There are a number of risk factors which can cause the development of glaucoma. These include:

• Elevated eye pressure
• Increasing age
• Family history of glaucoma
• Ethnic background
• Eye injury
• Diabetes
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• High myopia (shortsightedness)

Glaucoma affects both adults and children. However the condition is more common in older age.

Different types of glaucoma present different symptoms.

Open Angle Glaucoma doesn't usually cause any symptoms to begin with. That's why eye screenings are so important for early detection. The condition tends to develop slowly over many years and affects the edges of peripheral vision first. Signs and symptoms include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
• Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

With Angle-Closure Glaucoma which can develop very suddenly. Signs and symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cloudy eyes
• Halos around lights
• Severe eye ache
• Watery and reddening eyes
• Poor vision and jerky eyes known as nystagmus

(Source: International Glaucoma Association)

Our friends at the College of Optometrists have created a video to show what the world would look like if you were affected by Glaucoma. Experience it below.

The image gallery below shows vision loss caused by glaucoma over time.

There are no traditional treatments that can cure glaucoma but there are treatments that can control sight loss. Frequent eye screenings are critical for early detection and intervention.

Eye drops for glaucoma

There are eye drops available to reduce the pressure in the eye. These drops must be used on a regular basis. The pressure inside the eye and side vision must be checked regularly too.

Laser treatment for glaucoma

Laser treatment opens up the blocked drainage tubes or reduce the production of fluid in your eyes. During treatment, a high-energy beam of light is carefully aimed at part of the eye to stop fluid building up inside it.

Surgery for glaucoma

If eye drops and laser surgery are ineffective, surgery is advised. The most common type of surgery for glaucoma is called trabeculectomy which involves removing part of the eye-drainage tubes to allow fluid to drain more easily.

In infants, an operation is frequently performed to make small openings in the eye, allowing the extra fluid to drain.

According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness it has been estimated that by 2020 there were approximately 76 million people with glaucoma. However, most forms of glaucoma do not show symptoms in the early stages and therefore patients often present for treatment only after vision loss has occurred. This means the number of people with glaucoma is much larger than the figures presented here.

It is estimated that by 2040 the number of people living with glaucoma-induced blindness or vision loss will rise to 112 million (Tham et al., 2014). These figures are set to rise, unless improved screening and effective treatment strategies are successful. In many communities around the world, people lose their vision and remain irreversibly blind from glaucoma due to a lack of access to quality eye care services as well as awareness of the importance of early intervention.

This is where we step in. By using our amazing network of partners, supporters, staff, and world leading volunteers to empower local communities with the skills and resources necessary to improve glaucoma care through early preventative screenings, regular check-ups, and effective long-term management.

At Orbis, we're implementing a comprehensive approach to improving eye care to detect and treat glaucoma early.

Training: Orbis provides advanced training and mentorship to eye care teams in nearly every country in the world, empowering them to deliver sight-saving care where the need is greatest. Our specialist training is delivered in partnership with local hospitals, public health agencies and governments. It takes place on board our incredible Flying Eye Hospital, through our online mentoring platform, Cybersight, and through our long-term country programs. 

Technology: Through innovative technology like our award-winning telemedicine platform Cybersight, artificial intelligence diagnostic technology, virtual reality training, and the world’s first and only Flying Eye Hospital, we're revolutionizing ophthalmic training for eye care professionals and treatment for patients around the world. 

Treatment and prevention: Through our long-term country programs we provide equitable access to quality eye care that transforms lives and communities. Orbis puts eye care within reach through programs that serve communities where they are. To reach the most underserved populations, quality care must be not only available, but also easily accessible. 

Teamwork: Through support from donors, corporate sponsors, employees, governments, and a team of more than 400 world-renowned medical volunteers, we work in collaboration with local partners to improve the quality and availability of eye care, ensuring our impact endures long term and becomes self-sustaining.