Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the increase in pressure within the eye due to poor drainage of watery fluid. This accumulation of fluid puts pressure on the optic nerve. Glaucoma is caused due to insufficient drainage of watery fluid from the eye and not due to overproduction of fluid. Glaucoma is further classified into primary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.

Primary glaucoma:

Primary glaucoma results due to anatomical defects in the drainage system and result in increased pressure on the optic nerve.

Secondary glaucoma:

This occurs due to some other diseases of the eyes e.g., infection, inflammation, lens luxation, or eye injury. Glaucoma is a painful condition and requires immediate therapy as it can lead to blindness. Symptoms of the disease include eye pain, watery discharge, swelling and bulging of the eye, or sudden blindness.

Therapy includes prescribing the medication that decreases the fluid production and improves drainage of the fluid to decrease the pressure from the eye. In some cases, surgery may be required. When glaucoma is severe and response to medication is poor, removal of the eye may be recommended to treat pain and discomfort. Prognosis depends upon the severity of the disease and its underlying cause.