Glaucoma is a common eye disease that affects around 3 million Americans each year. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. That is because, unfortunately, any vision that is lost as a result of glaucoma is irreversible. For this reason, glaucoma should be detected and treated as quickly as possible.


The speed at which glaucoma can develop will depend on the type of glaucoma that you have. Let’s find out more about glaucoma, how quickly it develops and how you can spot the signs of this eye condition. 

Open-angle glaucoma

The most common type of glaucoma is known as open-angle glaucoma, which affects around 90% of patients with the condition. Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage canals of the eye become clogged, which causes pressure inside the eye to slowly build. It is characterized by a wide and open angle between the iris and cornea, which gives this type of glaucoma its name.


Open-angle glaucoma develops extremely slowly. Studies estimate that on average, untreated glaucoma takes around 10-15 years to progress from early damage to complete vision loss. However, the exact speed will depend on the degree of pressure. For example, intraocular pressure of 21-15mmHg will mean it takes 15 years to achieve the full progression of the disease, whereas an intraocular pressure of 30mmHg upwards could see someone go from clear vision to total vision loss in just 3 years. 

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma

Since it develops slowly, the symptoms of open-angle glaucoma take a long time to manifest. Most instances of glaucoma are detected at routine eye exams, rather than as a result of a visit caused by concerning symptoms. Nevertheless, it can help to be aware of the signs of open-angle glaucoma, which include:
 

• Loss of peripheral vision (usually the first sign of glaucoma)
   

• Swollen/bulging cornea
   

• Redness in the sclera (the white part of the eye)
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Sensitivity to light
   

Closed-angle glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma can impair vision much more quickly. It occurs when the pressure inside the eyes rises rapidly. This happens because the angle between the iris and cornea narrows, preventing the fluid from leaving the eye properly. It usually develops as a result of a trauma, inflammation, or advanced cataract, and is more common in people with diabetes.


Closed-angle glaucoma is considered to be an ocular emergency as not only can it be very painful, but vision loss is accelerated. Urgent treatment is essential to lower the pressure inside your eyes and prevent any further damage to your vision.  

Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma

The symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma come on very suddenly, and can include:
 

• Sudden, severe eye pain
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Bright halos around objects
   

• Eye redness
   

• Tenderness around the eyes
   

• Nausea and/or vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential that you speak to your eye doctor or visit an emergency room right away.

Treatment for glaucoma

Once a diagnosis of glaucoma has been confirmed, there is a range of treatments that may be recommended.


Prescription eyewear. The first line of treatment is often prescription eyewear. If you have lost some vision due to glaucoma, your eye doctor may prescribe you glasses or contact lenses, which can be used in addition to the treatments listed below.


Eye drops. Eye drops are usually the first line of treatment for the most common type of glaucoma, and there are a few different types that contain medications that can lower and control the amount of pressure within your eye.


Oral medications. Oral medications are usually recommended if eye drops aren’t reducing your intraocular pressure quickly enough or your IOP level is still too high. This treatment is also the first line of treatment for patients with acute glaucoma.


Laser treatment. Usually recommended for patients with acute angle glaucoma, laser treatment is often combined with oral medication to rapidly reduce eye pressure. Laser treatment is carried out using a local anesthetic. It involves using the laser to open and widen the drainage channels for fluid to escape and the pressure to drop.


Trabeculectomy. Recommended for severe cases of open-angle glaucoma and acute cases, a Trabeculectomy is an alternative to laser treatment and also reduces intraocular pressure by opening up the drainage channels of the eye.



If you have concerns about glaucoma, visit Coastal Family Eyecare at our office in Orange Beach, Alabama. You can call (251) 974-1233 today to schedule an appointment.