Introduction
Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight, a serious eye condition that damages the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye, What makes glaucoma especially dangerous is that it often develops slowly and without obvious symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred, Recognizing the early signs of glaucoma and undergoing regular eye examinations are the most effective ways to protect your vision before irreversible damage takes place.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of eye conditions that lead to optic nerve damage, which is crucial for sending visual information from your eye to your brain, When intraocular pressure (IOP) rises or even in some cases of normal pressure, it can gradually harm these nerve fibers, Over time, this can cause blind spots, tunnel vision, and ultimately, vision loss if left untreated. (Watch this video)
Types of Glaucoma
Understanding the main types of glaucoma can help identify risk factors and potential symptoms:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma:
The most common type, it develops slowly when the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient. Vision loss begins with peripheral (side) vision and progresses silently. - Angle-Closure Glaucoma:
This occurs when the drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure, a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. - Normal-Tension Glaucoma:
Damage occurs to the optic nerve even though eye pressure remains within the normal range. - Congenital or Secondary Glaucoma:
Found in newborns or caused by other eye conditions, trauma, or medications such as steroids.
Early signs of Glaucoma
The signs of glaucoma can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease, In its early stages, glaucoma may show no symptoms at all, making regular eye exams vital for detection, However, as the condition progresses, patients may begin to notice:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Difficulty seeing in dim light or at night
- Blurred or patchy vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions
- Mild eye discomfort or pressure sensation
Advanced or acute signs of Glaucoma
In angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can appear suddenly and become severe within hours, Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
- Intense eye pain or headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
- Redness in the eye
- Rapid vision loss
Advanced Glaucoma diagnosis and management in Dubai
At Eye Consultants Center – Dubai Healthcare City, our glaucoma specialists are dedicated to early detection and advanced treatment of this potentially blinding condition, We use the latest technologies, including:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to evaluate the optic nerve and retinal layers
- Visual field testing to detect early blind spots
- Tonometry and pachymetry to measure intraocular pressure and corneal thickness
- Gonioscopy to assess the drainage angle of the eye
Our specialists create individualized treatment plans that may include medicated eye drops, laser procedures, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to effectively control eye pressure and preserve vision, What distinguishes Eye Consultants Center is our comprehensive, patient-centered approach, combining advanced diagnostic tools, decades of surgical experience, and continuous follow-up care to ensure the best long-term outcomes.
Conclusion:
The signs of glaucoma are often subtle, but their consequences are serious, Because vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, early detection and regular eye checkups are the key to prevention, If you have risk factors such as family history, diabetes, high eye pressure, or are over 40, it’s vital to schedule routine screenings, At Eye Consultants Center – Dubai Healthcare City, we believe prevention is power, Our team of expert ophthalmologists provides precise diagnostics, tailored treatments, and compassionate guidance, helping you maintain clear, healthy vision for years to come, Book your appointment today.
