Top 11 Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs due to an imbalance between the production and drainage of fluid inside the eye. To simplify, imagine the eye as a water-filled balloon. The more water inside, the higher the pressure. Prolonged high intraocular pressure can damage the nerve cells at the back of the eye.

The causes of the condition vary and are categorized by the type of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma and congenital glaucoma: often linked to family genetics
• Angle-closure glaucoma: blockage in the drainage system of the eye, preventing fluid from escaping and increasing eye pressure
• Secondary glaucoma: occurs in individuals with a history of open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma, alongside conditions like hypertension, diabetes, eye injuries, or frequent use of corticosteroids.

Anyone can develop glaucoma. However, certain groups are more susceptible to this condition:

• Age: Individuals over 60 are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
• Ethnicity: African Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma compared to Caucasians and often experience more severe vision loss. People of Asian descent and Alaska Natives are at higher risk for angle-closure glaucoma. Those of Japanese origin tend to have a lower risk of glaucoma.
• Family history: A family history of glaucoma increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Medical conditions: Studies suggest that diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can elevate the risk of glaucoma.
• Injuries: Severe trauma, such as being hit in the eye, can lead to immediate or future increases in eye pressure.
• Other risk factors: Certain eye anatomical features, thinner corneas, and increased optic nerve sensitivity raise the risk of glaucoma. Conditions like eye tumors and inflammation can also cause glaucoma. Some research indicates that nearsightedness may also be a risk factor.

In reality, if glaucoma is not detected and treated promptly, vision can be severely threatened. Additionally, daily life and routines can be disrupted due to the symptoms caused by the condition.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness
Specialists have warned that glaucoma is a highly dangerous eye condition. It is one of the primary causes of blindness. Today, the number of people diagnosed with glaucoma and facing its complications is rapidly increasing. This serves as a wake-up call for everyone to pay more attention to their eye health.
So, is glaucoma dangerous? The longer it goes untreated, the worse it becomes, significantly increasing the risk of blindness. However, the symptoms are often subtle, making early detection and treatment challenging. By the time the condition worsens, treatment becomes more difficult and less effective.

Glaucoma reduces quality of life
Beyond affecting health, glaucoma also diminishes the quality of life. Patients experience weakened vision, reduced field of view, eye strain, and sensitivity to light. These issues make it difficult to focus on tasks like driving, sports, or work. In severe cases, patients may struggle with basic daily activities.

If you're wondering whether glaucoma is dangerous, the answer is yes. Both physical health and mental well-being are severely impacted. Studies have shown that individuals with glaucoma are more prone to depression and psychological disorders.

At medical facilities, doctors can detect this condition through examinations and necessary tests.

• Tonometry: A method to measure the pressure inside the eye. Each eye is tested at least 2–3 times to ensure accuracy, as intraocular pressure can vary among individuals and throughout the day.
• Visual acuity test: Doctors assess vision using a specialized chart placed at a set distance. This helps evaluate the impact of glaucoma on the patient's vision.
• Peripheral vision test: Used to rule out peripheral vision loss caused by glaucoma, a consequence of untreated high eye pressure. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor the risk of blindness.
• Optic nerve examination: A special magnifying lens is used to detect damage to the retina and optic nerve. In some cases, retinal imaging may be required to track future changes.
• Corneal thickness measurement: The thickness of the cornea can affect intraocular pressure readings. Measuring corneal thickness helps refine the accuracy of previous results.

After diagnosis, doctors will recommend appropriate treatments based on the case, including eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery.

• Eye drops: Typically prescribed for open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma. These medications reduce fluid production, thereby lowering intraocular pressure. If ineffective or in severe cases, laser treatment or surgery may be required.
• Laser treatment: Laser improves fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma and reduces blockages in angle-closure glaucoma.
• Surgery: Recommended for congenital glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, or severe cases unresponsive to eye drops. Trabeculectomy creates a new drainage pathway to reduce eye pressure.

These treatments aim to reduce pressure and prevent vision loss but cannot cure glaucoma. Therefore, ongoing monitoring and management of underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes are essential.

Incorporating eye-friendly foods and avoiding those that contribute to blurred vision can significantly alleviate glaucoma symptoms.

Foods to include:

• Tuna: Studies show that people who consume fish, especially omega-3-rich varieties like tuna and salmon, have a lower risk of eye diseases.
• Blueberries: These purple gems are rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that protect vision.
• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate enhances blood flow.
• Spinach: Spinach and other dark leafy greens like kale and collard greens contain lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants stored in the eye's macula that shield against light damage.
• Eggs: Egg yolks are packed with eye-protecting antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, also found in leafy greens.
• Oysters: Oysters are a rich source of zinc, essential for healthy eyes. Zinc helps vitamin A produce melanin, a protective eye pigment.
• Hot tea: Research indicates that daily hot tea drinkers have a 74% lower risk of glaucoma compared to non-drinkers.
• Oranges: Like other antioxidants, they prevent free radical damage, reducing the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. They also help build collagen, a key component of the cornea.
• Carrots: Beta-carotene in carrots combats free radical damage. Moderate consumption can lower the risk of eye conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.
• Sunflower seeds: A valuable source of vitamin E and antioxidants. Similar nutrients are found in almonds, hazelnuts, and peanut butter.

Trans fats

Trans fats, or trans fatty acids, are formed through hydrogenation of oils. They damage blood vessels, including those in the eyes. Everything we see is transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. A diet high in trans fats can lead to optic nerve damage.
Avoid processed foods like cookies, chips, fried dough, fried chicken, and fried meats. When shopping, look for “partially hydrogenated oil” in the ingredients to identify high trans fat foods.

Food allergens

If you have food allergies, your risk of glaucoma increases. Consult your doctor to identify allergenic foods. Common allergens include soy, peanuts, cow’s milk, wheat, and corn.

Saturated fats

Saturated fats should also be avoided by glaucoma patients. They worsen symptoms and contribute to weight gain. Studies show obesity is linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP).
Foods high in saturated fats include red meats like beef, pork, goat, and lamb. Limit the use of lard, animal fats, and butter. Opt for olive oil instead.

Coffee

Coffee has been shown to increase IOP, damaging the optic nerve. Replace coffee with healthier options like green tea or honey-infused drinks, which are rich in antioxidants and help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

Bad carbohydrates

Bad carbs (found in white bread, rice, noodles, etc.) spike insulin levels. High insulin levels increase IOP and blood pressure, worsening glaucoma symptoms.
What should you do? Eliminate bad carbs and focus on good carbs like potatoes, oats, whole grains, fruits, legumes, and nuts.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma. The best approach is early detection and timely treatment to reduce the risk of vision loss.

Schedule regular eye exams and intraocular pressure checks every five years after age 40, especially for those with diabetes, who have a 40% higher risk. Some measures to slow or prevent glaucoma progression include:

• Secondary glaucoma: Symptoms are similar, but patients often have underlying conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or eye injuries.
• Reduce stress and avoid tension.
• Exercise regularly.
• Limit caffeine intake (coffee, tea, chocolate, etc.).
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Wear protective eyewear during sports or work to prevent injuries.
• Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular conditions.
• Avoid self-treatment with unverified remedies or unregulated medications. Always consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Glaucoma, also known as cườm nước, thiên đầu thống, or glaucoma, is a condition where the fluid inside the eye, called aqueous humor, fails to drain properly. This fluid buildup increases intraocular pressure, which over time damages the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting images to the brain. Prolonged pressure can lead to vision loss or permanent blindness.

Glaucoma is a serious condition, ranking as the second leading cause of blindness after cataracts. Treatment aims to reduce intraocular pressure or slow the progression of vision loss.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

There are four main types of glaucoma. The most common is open-angle glaucoma, affecting about 90% of patients. It’s called "open-angle" because the drainage angle remains open, but the fluid drainage system becomes clogged internally. This type develops slowly, often without noticeable symptoms initially.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

This type occurs suddenly and requires immediate medical attention. It typically affects individuals with narrow drainage angles, which can close completely, preventing fluid from draining and causing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure. Severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, or vision loss are warning signs. Emergency surgery may be needed to open the drainage channels.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

In this type, eye pressure is normal, but optic nerve damage still occurs. Doctors aren’t entirely sure why. Possible reasons include extreme sensitivity to even slight pressure increases or reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Treatment may involve lowering eye pressure below normal levels.

Congenital Glaucoma
This rare form affects infants. It occurs when the eye’s drainage channels don’t develop properly in the womb. Babies may have cloudy eyes or enlarged eyeballs. Surgery can correct the issue, and early treatment often results in normal vision for life.

Glaucoma can exist without any symptoms, or the signs may vary among individuals, such as eye irritation, sudden eye pain, or nausea. In infants with congenital glaucoma, symptoms include a cloudy film over the eye, redness, and increased sensitivity to light. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.

Each type of glaucoma presents different symptoms:

• Open-angle glaucoma: Vague or subtle symptoms.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Sudden, severe pain, blurred vision, a feeling of a film over the eye, light sensitivity, tunnel vision, swollen or painful eyes, and unexplained nausea or vomiting.
• Congenital glaucoma: A cloudy film, redness, and light sensitivity in infants.
• Secondary glaucoma: Similar symptoms, often accompanied by conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or eye injuries.