Dr. Arvind Varma is a practicing ophthalmologist who runs a clinic in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Besides writing on common eye problems, Dr. Varma will also answer specific queries.

This issue Dr. Varma answers FAQs an eye condition glaucoma…

What is Glaucoma?
The fluid inside the eye known as Aqueous Humour, is constantly being formed inside the eye and is simultaneously drained by small channels out of the eye. If there is more production of Aqueous Humour or less drainage it leads to pressure inside the eye. This condition of increase in Intra Ocular Pressure is known as Glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma caused?
Primary Glaucoma: It is formed when the production of Aqueous is more (less common) or there is an obstruction in the drainage channels (more common).
Secondary Glaucoma: It is formed when the drainage channels are affected due to other diseases in the eye like uveitis or injury.
It is very rare however that the formation of the drainage tissue is defective since birth and a baby is born with Congenital Glaucoma.

What are the effects of Glaucoma on vision?
Due to high pressures inside the eye, blood does not reach all parts. Hence the eye does not get appropriate nutrition. The optic nerve that carries sensation of vision from the eye to the brain is worst affected in such a condition. It gradually gets atrophied in the affected eye and the ability to see is permanently lost.

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
The worst thing about this disease is that initially, or early stages, there are no symptoms. Hence glaucoma is called a `silent thief that slowly snatches our vision’. Gradually there may be mild to moderate pain in the eye, redness or frequent headaches. If due to any reasons the pressures increase suddenly (Acute Glaucoma), there is intolerable pain, redness of eyes, nausea or even vomiting.

What are the risk factors for Glaucoma?
A family history of glaucoma, history of glaucoma in fellow eye, history of injury in the eye, inflammatory eye diseases, myopia, diabetes mellitus hypertension or any other systemic vascular disease, asthma, black race.

Next fortnight read about how Glaucoma is treated.

Did you find this column useful? Write a review. Click here

Other Articles By Dr. Arvind Varma

• An Eye On trouble
• An Eye On Your Glasses…
• Do You Have A Lazy Eye?
• Do You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?
• Does Your Child Need An Eye Checkup?
• FAQ’s About Cataract
• Cataract Treatment
• How To Care For Your Eyes
• Should You Opt For Contact Lenses?
• Treatment For Glaucoma
• Your Eye & Diabetes Mellitus