Introduction:
Glaucoma is a series of eye diseases that causes gradual optic nerve damage. Primary open glaucoma, which is also commonly referred to as open-angle glaucoma, is one of most prevalent forms of glaucoma. According to the studies, primary open glaucoma affects around 70 million individuals and is one of the leading global preventable causes of blindness. If primary open-angle glaucoma is left untreated, it progresses and will eventually become more severe. The good news is that routine eye and vision examinations can find it. Although treatment cannot repair the disease, it may slow disease progression and prevent future vision loss.
What Causes Open Angle Glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma is caused by the pressure developed inside the eye (intraocular pressure), which is constantly high. The optic nerve lying behind the eye is damaged gradually with this elevated eye pressure, resulting in permanent vision loss. A clear liquid called aqueous humor controls the pressure inside the eye. The ciliary body, a component behind the iris, is responsible for producing this fluid. The pupil allows the aqueous fluid to enter the eye's anterior chamber. It then leaves the eye's anterior chamber via a feature known as the drainage angle, which is situated where the cornea and the outermost portion of the iris meet. In a healthy eye, the amount of aqueous fluid generated by the ciliary body and the amount of aqueous fluid outflow at the drainage angle are very well, resulting in normal ocular pressure. But in open-angle glaucoma, the amount of aqueous fluid outflow is less than the amount of aqueous produced by the ciliary body causes high eye pressure created inside the eye, results optic nerve damage.
What Is Closed Angle Glaucoma?
Iris proximity to the drainage angle in the eye causes a closed-angle glaucoma. A blockage of the drainage angle may result from the iris. Eye pressure rapidly increases if the drainage angle is totally blocked, and this is termed an acute attack. Angle-closure glaucoma often takes a long time to develop. This condition is known as chronic angle-closure glaucoma.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Open Angle Glaucoma?
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Eye pain.
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Discomfort and irritation.
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Redness.
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Headache.
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Watering of Eyes.
What Are the Risk Factors for Open Angle Glaucoma?
The risk factor of open-angle glaucoma includes:
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Age - Open-angle glaucoma is commonly seen in older individuals more than 40 years of age.
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Genetics - According to studies, specific genes have been found to be linked to glaucoma.
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Medical Conditions - Primary open-angle glaucoma risk factors include heart disease, diabetes (type 2), low blood pressure, and other conditions.
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Races - Compared to Caucasians, people of African descent develop glaucoma more frequently and at a younger age.
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Lifestyle - Excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, obesity, and stress are some of the health hazards that are harmful to overall health and the prevention of glaucoma. Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle can enhance general wellbeing and reduce the chance of developing open-angle glaucoma.
What Are the Treatment Options Available in Open Angle Glaucoma?
Primary open-angle glaucoma can be managed with a variety of treatments, including glaucoma surgery, eye drops, and medications.
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Eye Drops - Prescription eye drops are the first step in treating open-angle glaucoma. These drops work to either improve aqueous drainage from the eye or decrease the formation of aqueous in the eye.
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Laser Treatment - The eye doctor may suggest a laser surgery known as selective laser trabeculoplasty if eye drop drugs are not able to properly lower the eye pressure. During this quick office procedure, the eye doctor uses a laser to target the drainage tissue in the eye.
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Surgery -
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Sinusotomy - To deal with primary open glaucoma, the doctors introduced a new technique called sinusotomy. One of the major benefits of this procedure is that there is less surgical trauma to the eye, and it prevents the complications that are commonly linked to deep glaucoma surgeries. This procedure can be done with the help of a microscope. In this procedure, the doctor may open the anterior chamber with the help of local anesthetic agents and repair the optic nerve, as well as restore the flow of aqueous fluid. More than a thousand sinusotomies performed over the course of the last five years indicate the procedure would be highly effective.
Other surgeries also encourage better outcomes, it includes:
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Drainage Tubes - A little device that drains fluid from the eye is placed inside by the doctor. It helps push the fluid away while sitting on the eye, where nobody is able to see it.
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Filtering Surgery - A tiny hole is made in the eye by the physician. It functions like a covert trapdoor for fluid escape.
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Minimal-Invasive Glaucoma Procedures - These surgeries are modern techniques that are invisible to the naked eye. This surgery requires tiny holes for placing microscopic tubes inside the chamber and draining fluid from the eye. Although often speedier and safer, they do not reduce pressure as much. Additionally, they can be performed concurrently with other treatments like cataract surgery.
Can Primary Open Angle Be Prevented?
Primary open-angle glaucoma can occur in the changes to the eyes that lead to glaucoma in some people of specific ages, races, or family histories. If a person is worried that they might get this disease, the doctor can work with them to find the best ways to maintain their general eye health. The greatest method to prevent is to identify it early and prevent its development. To do that, start at the age of 40 and schedule eye checkups every one to two years. It is important to have frequent eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Conclusion:
Primary open-angle glaucoma is a degenerative disease that, if left untreated, can result in lifelong vision loss and even blindness. When ganglion cells in the retina are damaged, it results in the gradual loss of peripheral and then central vision. Excessively high eye pressure is the underlying cause of primary open-angle glaucoma. When fluid does not discharge properly, there may be too much pressure, which could damage the visual nerve. There are several laser operations, microsurgeries, and traditional surgical techniques that can lower your eye pressure, lessen your dependency on eye drops, and help avoid loss of vision from open-angle glaucoma.
