Glaucoma is a type of eye disease where the optic nerve becomes damaged and this has a negative effect on vision. Although glaucoma can affect anyone certain people are much more likely to contract it. In this article I discuss some of the main risk factors for this eye disease.

Age

Ageing is a natural process that happens to everyone. Unfortunately, as you get older your glaucoma risk increases. Once you reach 60 years and older you are six times more likely to contract glaucoma.

Blood Health

People who suffer from health disorders that affect the blood are much more likely to develop glaucoma. In particular, people who suffer from diabetes (which increase blood glucose levels) and high blood pressure (which increases blood pressure levels) have a higher risk for this disease.

Eye Health

People with a central corneal thickness of less than 0.5mm, eye injuries or high myopia (near sightedness) are at a higher risk for glaucoma. Eye injuries in particular can significantly increase your chances of contracting this disease as they may damage the eye’s drainage system and cause a build-up of pressure which damages the optic nerve.

Family History

Whilst having a family history of glaucoma does not necessarily mean you will develop this disease, it does increase your risk. If your brother or sister has glaucoma you are five times more likely to suffer from this disease compared with people who have no siblings with glaucoma.

Increased Intraocular Pressure

Intraocular pressure refers to the fluid pressure within the eye. For a long time increased fluid pressure was believed to cause glaucoma. However, more recent studies have shown that whilst it is responsible for over 90% of glaucoma cases and therefore a very significant risk factor, people with normal intraocular pressure can still get glaucoma.

Race

African Americans are five times more likely to contract glaucoma than Caucasians. It is also the leading cause of blindness amongst African Americans but only the second leading cause of blindness in the world. In addition to this, glaucoma generally affects African Americans at a much younger age than Caucasians. African Americans aged between 45-65 years old are 15 times more likely to become blind from glaucoma than Caucasians within the same age group.

Asian Americans and Mexican Americans also have an increased glaucoma risk compared to the rest of the population. However, this risk is not as significant as African Americans.

Summary

Glaucoma can affect anyone but the risk factors discussed in this article make it much more likely. Many of these risk factors are beyond your control. For example, your age, family history and race are completely out of your hands. However, by getting regular eye exams and leading a healthy lifestyle which involves consistent exercise and a good diet you can keep your blood health, eye health and intraocular pressure in check.

Glaucoma Statistics

Approximately 2.2 million Americans are believed to have glaucoma.
Approximately 50% of these Americans do not know they have glaucoma.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide behind cataracts.

Open Angle Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma is the most common form of this eye disease and is responsible for over 90% of reported glaucoma cases. It gets its name because the angle between the cornea and the iris remains naturally open and wide in sufferers. Open angle glaucoma develops when the drainage canals in the eyes gradually get blocked. This causes fluid pressure to build up in the eyes and ultimately damages the optic nerve. However, since this build up is gradual the damage often goes unnoticed until the glaucoma becomes more advanced.

Other Types Of Glaucoma

As mentioned above, open angle glaucoma accounts for more than 90% of reported glaucoma cases worldwide. The remaining 10% are made up of the following types:

Angle Closure Glaucoma:- Angle closure glaucoma gets its name because the angle between the cornea and the iris becomes unnaturally closed and narrow in sufferers. It develops when the draining canals become blocked very suddenly. This leads to a rapid build-up of fluid pressure in the eyes which then damages the optic nerve. Since the pressure builds up rapidly, the damage caused by angle closure glaucoma is often noticeable in the very early stages.

Congenital Glaucoma:- Congenital glaucoma (also referred to as childhood, infantile or pediatric glaucoma) gets its name because it occurs in babies and children within their first five years of life. It develops when the child’s eyes drainage system does not function properly as a result of a birth defect or inheritance. This leads to fluid pressure building up in the eye and ultimately damaging the optic nerve.

Normal Tension Glaucoma:- Normal tension glaucoma (also known as NTG and normal pressure glaucoma) gets its name because the fluid pressure in the eye remains normal in sufferers. It is not known why this type of glaucoma develops in certain people with normal eye fluid pressure and not others.

Summary

I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about glaucoma. To catch glaucoma as early as possible you need to be going for regular eye tests. Additionally, make sure you are leading a healthy, active lifestyle. Good foods and regular exercise can go a long way towards preventing this eye disease.

Eye Drops

Eye drops are generally the first cause of action when it comes to treating glaucoma. There are four main types of eye drops that are used:

Beta Blockers:- These are normally the first eye drop that your doctor will recommend for glaucoma. They reduce intraocular pressure (fluid pressure) within your eyes by slowing down the production of fluid. In most cases they need to be applied twice a day. However, if you have asthma or a heart condition you may not be able to use beta blockers. Additionally, if your doctor does prescribe these eye drops you may still experience burning, dryness and itching in the eyes.

Prostaglandin Analogues:- If beta blockers fail or are not practical you may then be put on prostaglandin analogue eye drops. These eye drops allows more fluid to flow out of your eye and can help lower intraocular pressure. In most cases they need to be administered once a day. Possible side effects of using prostaglandin analogue eye drops include blepharitis (a condition where the eyelids become inflamed), darker eyes, headaches, increased eyelash growth, pain in the eyes and red eyes.

Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors:- These eye drops are not as effective as beta blockers and prostaglandin analogues but they do have less severe side effects. They act in a similar way to beta blockers and lower intraocular pressure by reducing the amount of eye fluid that is produced. In most cases they need to be administered two or three times each day. Using carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may lead to bitterness and dryness in your mouth, eye irritation and nausea.

Sympathomimetics:- These eye drops reduce intraocular pressure by minimising the production of eye fluid and also allowing it to drain from the eye more easily. In most cases they need to be applied twice a day. However, if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition you may not be able to use sympathomimetics. Additionally, if you are advised to take these eye drops they may still cause your eyes to become red and painful.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment is generally used as an alternative to eye drops or if the eye drops are not working as expected. There are two main types of laser treatment for glaucoma:

Laser Trabeculoplasty:- This type of laser treatment uses high energy beams to unblock the trabecular meshwork (a collection of tissues that are responsible for draining eye fluids) which then reduces intraocular pressure by allowing fluid to drain more easily.

Cyclodiode Laser Treatment:- This type of laser treatment uses high energy beams to destroy small parts of the eye that produce fluid which then lowers the overall amount of fluid in the eye and therefore reduces intraocular pressure.

Surgery

Surgery is usually a last resort and only used when eye drops and laser surgery are not possible or when they are proving ineffective. There are four main types of glaucoma surgery:

Trabeculectomy:- This is the main type of surgery for glaucoma. The procedure involves removing part of the trabecular meshwork which allows fluid to pass through the eye’s drainage system more easily and results in lower intraocular pressure.

Viscocanalostomy:- This type of surgery involves removing part of the sclera (the white area of the eyeball) which then allows the fluid to flow out of your eye and into your body, thereby reducing intraocular pressure.

Deep Sclerectomy:- This type of surgery involves removing a deep piece of the sclera, part of the trabecular meshwork and the front of Schlemm’s canal (a channel that collects fluid from the eye and carries it to the blood) to create extra space. This extra space then allows additional fluid to flow out of the eye and lowers intraocular pressure.

Aqueous Shunt Implant:- This type of surgery involves inserting a tube into the eye which then allows extra fluid to be removed. This results in lower intraocular pressure. Aqueous shunt implants are generally only used when the above surgeries have failed or are not practical.

Surgery

Whilst glaucoma cannot be cured, effective treatment can make it manageable and minimise the impact it has on your eyes and vision. I hope this article has provided you with a good introduction to the glaucoma treatment options that are available to you. If you want to find out more about treating this disease your doctor or eye specialist will be able to answer many of your questions or concerns.

Symptoms Of Open Angle Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma is responsible for over 90% of all glaucoma cases. Unfortunately, it is also one of the hardest to detect and has very few symptoms. In the early stages it only affects your peripheral vision. This loss of peripheral vision often goes unnoticed until the glaucoma has become more advanced and started to affect your inner vision.

Whilst it is very difficult to detect, try to focus on your peripheral vision once a week. If you notice any changes week on week go see your doctor or an eye specialist and explain your concerns.

Symptoms Of Angle Closure Glaucoma

Angle closure glaucoma develops much more rapidly and as a result has a lot more noticeable and severe symptoms which include:
Clouded vision.
Loss of vision.
Impaired vision when looking at light.
Pain in the eyes.
Red eyes.
Tender eyes.

If you notice any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention right away. As mentioned above, acute angle glaucoma develops very quickly and the earlier you get treated the less damage it can cause.

Symptoms Of Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma is something that you should be looking out for if you have babies or children less than five years old. The symptoms you need to look for include:
Cloudy eyes.
Large eyes (which could be a sign of increased fluid pressure causing them to expand).
Photophobia (sensitivity to light).
Rapid eye movements.
Squinting.
Watery eyes.

If you see any of the signs above in your child then get to a doctor or an eye specialist as soon as possible.

Symptoms Of Normal Tension Glaucoma

Normal tension glaucoma’s symptoms are identical to those of open angle glaucoma. It is equally difficult to detect but if you do notice any changes in your peripheral vision go for a check-up with your doctor or eye specialist.

Summary

The bad news with glaucoma is most cases it has little to no symptoms. To give yourself the best chance of identifying glaucoma you need to be going for regular eye exams. Additionally, if you experience any vision problems or any of the other symptoms discussed in this article, no matter how slight, go see your doctor or eye specialist as soon as possible. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Elevated Intraocular Pressure

As discussed above, elevated intraocular pressure is the main cause of glaucoma. In most people high intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve. This then has an adverse effect on vision as the optic nerve cannot transmit visual information to the brain properly. However, some people have very high intraocular pressure but never develop glaucoma.

Diseases That Affect The Blood

Diseases that have an impact on the blood can damage the optic nerve and cause glaucoma. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the main culprits. Diabetes is a disease where your blood glucose levels can become extremely high if it is not managed properly. These elevated blood glucose levels can then directly damage the optic nerve and also damage the blood vessels that supply it. High blood pressure has a similar effect and can damage both the optic nerve and its blood vessels.

Eye Injuries

Injuries that cause the eye to suddenly compress can sometimes damage the optic nerve and cause glaucoma. These types of injuries usually occur in sports where a ball or a misplaced body part hit the eye with significant force.

Steroids

Taking certain types of steroid can sometimes lead to the development of glaucoma. Topical steroids that are applied to the eye carry the highest risk and your doctor will monitor you very closely if he prescribes this type of drug. Consuming large amounts of steroids orally can also increase your glaucoma risk but this is normally a temporary condition which subsides once you finish the course of steroids.

Summary

There are a number of ways in which the optic nerve can become damaged. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine the exact causes of glaucoma. Many people will develop glaucoma as a result of raised intraocular pressure but not everyone will. Some diabetics will suffer from glaucoma whilst others will avoid it.

The best advice I can give you is to get your eyes tested regularly so that if you do suffer from glaucoma it can be identified as early as possible. Additionally, make sure you exercise regularly and eat a healthy balanced diet. Studies have shown that this can reduce your risk of contracting glaucoma and it also has a soothing effect on diabetes and high blood pressure.

Gonioscopy

This test uses a special mirrored contact lens to measure the angle where your iris and cornea meet. If the angle is wide and open this could indicate open-angle glaucoma. If it is narrow and closed it could indicate angle-closure glaucoma.

Ophthalmoscopy (Dilated Eye Exam)

This test uses special magnifying lenses to examine your optic nerve for glaucoma damage. Your doctor or eye specialist will look at the colour, health and shape of your optic nerve to assess the potential impact of glaucoma.

Nerve Fiber Analysis

This test measures the thickness of retinal nerve fibers in an attempt to find glaucoma damage. Thinner areas may be a sign of glaucoma damage. Nerve fiber analysis is particularly useful for measuring changes in glaucoma patients. For example, if someone’s retinal nerve fibers become thinner between two exams it shows their glaucoma is getting worse.

Pachymetry

This test uses a pachymeter to measure the thickness of your cornea (the clear surface at the front of your eye). This can then help your doctor or eye specialist fully understand your intraocular pressure levels as the thickness of the cornea does influence them.

Perimetry (Visual Field Test)

This test uses a moving light to measure your complete field of vision. You will be asked to look straight ahead and then tell your doctor or eye specialist when a moving light has entered your peripheral vision. The results of this test will allow your doctor or eye specialist to determine whether your eyesight has been affected by glaucoma.

Tonometry

This test measures the intraocular pressure in your eye. Normal pressure is 12-22 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury – a scale used to measure eye pressure). For most people a reading higher than 20mm Hg can be a sign of glaucoma. However, eye pressure affects everyone differently. Certain individuals may have glaucoma at much lower levels whilst others may not have glaucoma at much higher levels.

Summary

I hope this article has helped you learn a little more about what to expect when you are getting tested for glaucoma. If you have any further questions then ask your doctor or eye specialist. They should be able to answer any questions you may have.

Walking

If you are new to exercise and worried about glaucoma, walking is the perfect choice to start with. There’s nothing to learn as you will have been doing it all your life. Additionally, no fancy equipment is required – just a good pair of walking boots and possibly a rucksack. Finally, walking is very low impact so the chances of injury are much lower compared with most other forms of exercise.

Cycling

If you are a little more experienced when it comes to exercise you may want to give cycling a try. Cycling allows you to get out and explore whilst also building your fitness and lowering your intraocular pressure. All you need to start cycling is a good bike, a helmet, the appropriate clothing and possibly a rucksack.

Jogging

If cycling is not for you and you find walking too slow, jogging is the next logical choice. You just need a good pair of running shoes and you are all set. If you do an hour of jogging every other day you will be getting some good solid cardiovascular exercise, lowering your intraocular pressure and reducing your glaucoma risk.

Soccer

If you prefer team sports then give soccer a try. It gives you just as good a workout as cycling or jogging but has the added benefits of socialisation and fun. Try organising a game once or twice a week and you will quickly start to notice improvements in your fitness.

Summary

Whilst regular exercise will not fully protect you against glaucoma, it will help to combat one of the main risk factors. Regular exercise also has countless other benefits. It protects you from a wide range of diseases, improves your strength and athletic performance, boosts your immune system and much more. If you combine your exercise routine with a clean healthy diet you will be able to reduce your glaucoma risk even further and enhance your overall health.

Go For Regular Eye Exams

If you want to prevent glaucoma and minimise the impact it has on your life then this is the number one thing you need to be doing. Over 90% of glaucoma cases exhibit little to no symptoms until they become advanced. By this point the damage has often been done and the impact on sight can be severe.

However, if you go for regular eye exams your eye specialist will be able to perform tests and pick up little signs and symptoms that you would not naturally notice yourself. For example, your eye specialist will be able to test for changes in your peripheral vision – something that you wouldn’t even notice on a day to day basis.

The frequency with which you should go for eye exams depends on your age. The list below offers some suggestions:
Less than 40 years old = At least every four years.
Between 40 and 54 years old = At least every three years.
Between 55 and 64 years old = At least every two years.
Over 64 years old = At least every year.

Protect Your Eyes During Sport

If you are playing a sport that puts you at risk of heavy impacts to the eye then you should make sure they are protected. For example, if you are playing squash make sure you get yourself some squash goggles. Sports injuries that make the eye compress suddenly (such as a squash ball hitting you in the eye) can damage the optic nerve and cause glaucoma. You might not like the look of protective gear but sacrificing your image to protect your eyes is definitely worthwhile.

Wear Sunglasses

Whilst ultraviolet light (UV) light is not believed to cause glaucoma, it can increase the severity of the problem in sufferers. Therefore, if you are suffering from glaucoma and want to stop your eyes becoming irritated get a good pair of sunglasses and wear them when it is sunny outside.

Summary

As I said at the beginning of this article no one knows what causes glaucoma. However, since it is an eye disease, protecting your eyes is a very smart move. Following these tips will keep your eyes safe from damage and hopefully help you avoid glaucoma.

Almonds

Almonds are one of the best sources of vitamin E around and contain 26.2mg of this natural nutrient per 100g. Vitamin E is a very impressive antioxidant that can keep your eyes safe from the damage caused by free radicals. It also provides additional protection to all your body’s vital organs including our eyes.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is the richest food source of the eye boosting phytonutrient rutin available. It supports strong, healthy eyes in multiple ways. For starters, it is a powerful antioxidant that protects your eyes from dangerous free radicals. In addition to this, rutin supports healthy blood flow and ensures that your eyes and optic nerve are getting the oxygen they need. Finally, some early studies indicate that rutin can directly protect against eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. However, more evidence is required to validate these early studies.

Carrots

Carrots are one of the top food sources of beta carotene – a substance that the body converts into vitamin A. A 100g serving of carrots supplies your body with a notable 8.3mg of beta carotene. Whilst there are no studies linking vitamin A with a lower risk of glaucoma, this nutrient is one of the most important when it comes to maintaining strong, healthy vision and night vision. Additionally, it protects the eyes by acting as an antioxidant.

Kale

Kale contains high levels of a very promising phytonutrient – lutein. It contains 18.2mg of lutein per 100g. Lutein is actually found in the human eye and because of this many people believe that it can prevent a wide range of eye disorders and keep them healthy. Early studies into the effects of lutein on the eye have shown very positive results but further research is needed before their effects on the eyes can be fully confirmed.

Oranges

As you probably know, oranges are extremely rich in vitamin C. A 100g serving or oranges provides you with a massive 53.2mg of vitamin C. This natural nutrient offers protection to your eyes and is also a powerful antioxidant that can shield them from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Summary

Our understanding of glaucoma is still in the very early stages. We cannot say for sure what causes it and there is also no cure. However, glaucoma is an eye disorder so making dietary choices that keep your eyes and vision strong is a good move. It certainly won’t do any harm and may give your body the fuel it needs to fight glaucoma.

The same is true when it comes to diet. It is very likely that certain foods have a positive effect on glaucoma whilst others have a negative effect. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no definitive link between glaucoma and diet. In this article I will be examining the available evidence and listing three foods that increase your glaucoma risk.

Coffee

Drinking coffee raises intraocular pressure (fluid pressure) within the eye temporarily after consumption. Whilst increased intraocular pressure does not cause glaucoma, it is a risk factor. By controlling your consumption of coffee you can reduce the impact of this risk factor.

Fast Food

Fast food is something you should be eating very little of if you want to lead a healthy lifestyle. It contains a long list of unhealthy ingredients but the worst by far are trans fats. These nasty substances are highly hazardous to humans and can cause cancer and heart disease.

Whilst there are no direct links between trans fats and glaucoma, they can damage the blood vessels that supply your eyes and optic nerve. This can then potentially cause the optic nerve to become damaged and lead to the onset of glaucoma. By cutting down on fast foods you can reduce the impact of trans fats on the blood vessels and minimise this risk.

Refined Sugar

Refined sugar causes your blood glucose levels to rise rapidly after consumption. Over time this rapid increase in blood glucose can damage your blood vessels. The damage doesn’t stop there either. Your body responds to these elevated blood glucose levels by releasing a large amount of insulin. Having a large amount of insulin in your blood then leads to high blood pressure which causes further damage to the blood vessels. If any of this damage affects the blood vessels that supply your eyes or optic nerve it can lead to glaucoma.

Summary

The research on glaucoma and diet is still in the very early stages. However, I hope this article has highlighted some of the foods that could increase your risk. Try to limit your coffee consumption to one or two cups each day and make sure when you do eat fast food and sugar it is an occasional treat.