Open angle glaucoma: causes, symptoms, treatment

Definition

What is open angle glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when the intraocular pressure (eyeball) increases, causing damage to the optic nerve in the eye. As a result, the quality of vision decreases and the patient is at risk of experiencing total blindness. This disease consists of various types, one of which is open angle glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic condition characterized by an angle of drainage in the eye that is open. The drainage angle is the drain of fluid in the eye, which is located between the iris and the cornea of the eye. Even though the drainage angle is open, the liquid cannot flow out because of a blockage in the absorption tissue in the drainage.

Non-disposable eye fluid will build up and cause high eye pressure. This pressure has the potential to damage the optic nerve and affect vision.

Most cases of open-angle glaucoma don't know the exact cause. That is why this condition is also known as primary open-angle glaucoma.

This disease is also often called "vision theft" because the signs and symptoms are so difficult to detect in the early stages of development, that eventually the damage to the eye is already severe. Even blindness caused by glaucoma is irreversible, aka incurable.

Another type of this disease is angle closure glaucoma, which is when the drainage angle in the eye closes and the fluid cannot be wasted. This condition is no less dangerous than the open angle type.

How common is this disease?

Open angle glaucoma is the most common condition when compared to other types of glaucoma. It is estimated that this disease is the cause behind 12.3% of blindness cases worldwide.

This condition can occur in patients of any age. However, elderly patients have a greater chance of developing this disease.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of open angle glaucoma?

Unfortunately, in most cases, open-angle glaucoma doesn't show any symptoms. Usually, symptoms begin with decreased peripheral vision, or vision on the side of the eye. Most patients do not notice the loss of their peripheral vision.

Generally, patients only know something is wrong with their vision when glaucoma has affected central vision. By the time that happens, up to 90% of the optic nerve fibers may be damaged and incurable,

The increase in eye pressure also generally occurs gradually, so that many sufferers do not feel pain in their eyes. However, in the case of acute open-angle glaucoma, the eye pressure can increase suddenly and the patient will experience symptoms, such as headache, reddening of the eyes, and blurry vision.

In more severe cases, the patient will also experience a condition called tunnel vision, that is, when the patient appears to be looking with his eyes from a dark tunnel.

Other glaucoma symptoms that may arise include:

severe headache
feel pain (pain) in the eye
nausea and vomiting
see a rainbow-shaped circle around a light or lamp

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes open angle glaucoma?

According to the National Eye Institute website, eye fluid in open-angle glaucoma patients is absorbed too slowly into the spongy tissue at the corner where the iris and cornea meet. This angle is known as the drainage angle. In other words, the drainage angle in the eye opens normally, but the spongy tissue inside is having problems.

In fact, the eye fluid should be wasted into the drainage angle and replaced with new fluid. The circulation of this fluid must be balanced so that excess fluid does not accumulate in the eye.

When there is too much fluid in the eye, the pressure on the eyeball increases. This pressure damages the optic nerves in the eye and worsens the patient's vision.

Unfortunately, it is not clear what causes open-angle glaucoma in most cases. Experts are still debating what triggers increased eye pressure and abnormalities in the eye structure.

Risk factors

What are the risk factors for open angle glaucoma?

There are many risk factors for open-angle glaucoma, such as:

elderly people
comes from Asian and African descent
have a family member with glaucoma
suffer from other diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease
have experienced trauma or injury to the eye
the presence of an eye tumor
have nearsighted or farsighted eyes
have a severe eye infection or inflammation
use of corticosteroid drugs

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this disease diagnosed?

The eye doctor will thoroughly examine the eye to detect glaucoma. Following are the eye examination procedures that are commonly performed:

Gonioscopy, to check the drainage angle in the eye
Tonometry, to measure your intraocular (eyeball) pressure
Optic nerves examination
Examination of the thickness of the cornea of the eye
Visual field examination: to find out how wide your line of sight is

What are the treatments for open angle glaucoma?

Glaucoma treatment, especially for the open angle type, is aimed at reducing pressure on the eyeball. In some cases, treatment usually includes prescription drugs, eye lasers, or other surgical operations.

Indeed, until now there is no treatment that can restore the condition of glaucoma patients to normal. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the patient's vision quality can be preserved.

The following are treatment options for open angle glaucoma:

administration of doctor's prescription eye drops
laser procedures, such as iridotomy
glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy) to create a new filter on the eyeball
glaucoma implant, which involves inserting a small silicone tube into the eye to allow fluid to be removed

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat open angle glaucoma?

The following lifestyle changes can help you deal with the symptoms of open angle glaucoma:

Eat healthy
Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain your health, but it will not prevent glaucoma from worsening. Several vitamins and nutrients are important for eye health, including those found in dark green leafy vegetables and fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Exercise safely
Regular exercise can reduce eye pressure. Consult your doctor about the right exercise program.
Limit caffeine
Drinking drinks with large amounts of caffeine can increase eye pressure.
Drink small amounts of fluids, but often
Drinking a liter or more of any liquid for a short period of time can temporarily increase eye pressure. However, make sure that your fluid needs in one day are still met.
Sleep with your head elevated
Using a wedge pillow (which has an inclination) will keep your head slightly elevated, about 20 degrees. This method has been shown to reduce eye pressure while you sleep.
Take the prescribed medication
Using eye drops or other medications as prescribed can help you get the best possible results from your treatment. Make sure to use the eye drops exactly as prescribed. Otherwise, the optic nerve damage can get worse.