Glaucoma (High Eye Pressure)
What Is Eye Pressure (Glaucoma)?
Glaucoma—commonly known as “eye pressure” or “black water disease”—is damage to the optic nerve, most often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). As a result, the visual field gradually becomes narrower over time. Glaucoma is a “silent” disease that often becomes noticeable only in its late stages; if diagnosed late, it may cause severe and irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
How Does Glaucoma Develop?
People with higher-than-normal intraocular pressure have an increased risk of developing glaucoma; however, high eye pressure does not necessarily mean a person has glaucoma.
Glaucoma can develop for various reasons. Inside the vascular layer of the eye, a fluid called aqueous humor is produced. As this fluid drains out of the eye, a balanced pressure is maintained—this pressure is necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the eye. When the aqueous humor does not drain sufficiently, it accumulates inside the eye, increasing pressure and potentially damaging the optic nerve.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma may be related to genetics. People with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk. In other words, there may be abnormalities in one or more genes, making certain individuals more susceptible.
Risk also increases in individuals over 40 years of age.
Causes and Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Diabetes and hypothyroidism (goiter) increase the risk.
Serious eye injuries can raise intraocular pressure. Other factors include retinal detachment, eye tumors, and inflammatory eye diseases such as chronic uveitis or iritis.
Certain eye surgeries can trigger secondary glaucoma.
In myopia (commonly known as difficulty seeing far), glaucoma frequency is approximately twice as high.
Long-term corticosteroid use (drops, oral, skin ointments, etc.) may cause secondary glaucoma.
For individuals with these risk factors, regular eye examinations are important for early detection of optic nerve damage.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Headaches, especially noticeable in the mornings
Occasional blurred vision
Seeing halos/rings around lights at night
Pain around the eyes while watching TV
Factors That Increase the Risk of Glaucoma
Family history of glaucoma (genetic predisposition)
Being over 40
Diabetes
Severe anemia or shock episodes
High or low systemic blood pressure
High myopia
High hyperopia
Migraine
Long-term steroid therapy
Eye injuries
Racial factors
Because the risk is higher in these individuals, routine eye examinations are recommended to detect optic nerve damage early.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma treatment generally includes:
Medication (eye drops)
Laser treatment
Surgical treatment
If eye pressure cannot be reduced and the disease continues to progress despite medication or laser therapy, the preferred treatment is often surgery.
Why Is Early Diagnosis Important?
When glaucoma is detected early, it can usually be managed effectively. For people with a family history of glaucoma, consistent follow-up examinations are especially important for successful control.
Patient Guidelines During Glaucoma Treatment
Eye drops are commonly used and help reduce intraocular pressure to keep the disease under control. Treatment often starts with a single type of drop. The most critical factor is using the medication exactly as prescribed.
To evaluate effectiveness, the patient is typically asked to return after 2–3 weeks for repeat pressure measurement. Treatment may continue with the same medication or be adjusted. Patients should inform their physician about any other medications they use and any underlying health conditions.
Diagnostic Tests Used in Glaucoma
Eye pressure measurement is a quick and easy part of routine examination. During comprehensive eye exams, both refraction testing and eye pressure measurement should be performed. These measurements can identify glaucoma suspicion even in the absence of symptoms.
The fundamental issue in glaucoma is loss of nerve fibers forming the optic nerve. For patients with suspicious findings, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) assessment is important to detect damage. This is done using specialized light/photographic techniques and computer-assisted imaging. Additional tests may include corneal thickness measurement and visual field testing.
Can Glaucoma Be Completely Cured?
Glaucoma can be controlled and its progression can be slowed or stopped; however, a person diagnosed with glaucoma typically needs lifelong follow-up and ongoing treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Normal Eye Pressure (IOP)?
Intraocular pressure measurement is an essential part of ophthalmic examination. Whether glaucoma is suspected is evaluated based on the measurement and additional findings. Glaucoma can be difficult to detect because pressure can fluctuate during the day, and thin corneas may cause readings that underestimate true pressure.
While pressures below 20 mmHg are often considered normal, it is important to remember that there are many types of glaucoma (e.g., pigmentary, neovascular, exfoliative, congenital). Therefore, in addition to pressure measurement, corneal thickness, optic nerve, and retinal evaluation must also be performed.
How Does Glaucoma Get Better?
If untreated, glaucoma can progress to blindness. Treatment cannot reverse existing optic nerve damage, but it can slow or stop progression. The main goal is to preserve vision throughout the patient’s lifetime.
What Happens When Eye Pressure Rises?
Rising intraocular pressure is one of the most serious risk situations. As pressure increases, the visual field narrows and permanent damage may occur. Regular monitoring is important to protect eye health.
What Should Glaucoma Patients Avoid Eating?
As with many chronic diseases, excessive sugary and fatty foods may negatively affect eye health. Also, drinking large amounts of fluid in short intervals may increase intraocular pressure in some glaucoma patients.
Can Glaucoma Affect Only One Eye?
Yes. Glaucoma may occur in one eye or both eyes.
At What Eye Pressure Level Is It Dangerous?
In general, 9 mmHg is considered the lower limit and 22 mmHg the upper limit for eye pressure. Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up inside the eye and increases intraocular pressure, which can lead to optic nerve damage.
Does Eye Pressure Affect Blood Pressure?
Eye pressure and systemic blood pressure are two different conditions. They are often confused among the public, but they are independent. However, because systemic blood pressure can affect many organs, very high or very low blood pressure can also influence eye health. Glaucoma patients are therefore expected to pay extra attention to systemic blood pressure.
Does Glaucoma Cause Headache?
Severe headaches can be a prominent complaint in high eye pressure, but it is not correct to link every headache to glaucoma. Persistent headaches should be evaluated to identify the underlying cause.
Does Glaucoma Cause Eye Pain?
Symptoms often appear in advanced stages and vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Eye pain can occur due to glaucoma. If eye pain does not resolve, an eye examination is recommended. In routine eye exams, eye pressure measurement and fundus (eye-bottom) examination should be performed.
*This content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
Last Updated: 18.12.2022
Glaucoma—commonly known as “eye pressure” or “black water disease”—is damage to the optic nerve, most often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). As a result, the visual field gradually becomes narrower over time. Glaucoma is a “silent” disease that often becomes noticeable only in its late stages; if diagnosed late, it may cause severe and irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
How Does Glaucoma Develop?
People with higher-than-normal intraocular pressure have an increased risk of developing glaucoma; however, high eye pressure does not necessarily mean a person has glaucoma.
Glaucoma can develop for various reasons. Inside the vascular layer of the eye, a fluid called aqueous humor is produced. As this fluid drains out of the eye, a balanced pressure is maintained—this pressure is necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the eye. When the aqueous humor does not drain sufficiently, it accumulates inside the eye, increasing pressure and potentially damaging the optic nerve.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma may be related to genetics. People with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk. In other words, there may be abnormalities in one or more genes, making certain individuals more susceptible.
Risk also increases in individuals over 40 years of age.
Causes and Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Diabetes and hypothyroidism (goiter) increase the risk.
Serious eye injuries can raise intraocular pressure. Other factors include retinal detachment, eye tumors, and inflammatory eye diseases such as chronic uveitis or iritis.
Certain eye surgeries can trigger secondary glaucoma.
In myopia (commonly known as difficulty seeing far), glaucoma frequency is approximately twice as high.
Long-term corticosteroid use (drops, oral, skin ointments, etc.) may cause secondary glaucoma.
For individuals with these risk factors, regular eye examinations are important for early detection of optic nerve damage.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Headaches, especially noticeable in the mornings
Occasional blurred vision
Seeing halos/rings around lights at night
Pain around the eyes while watching TV
Factors That Increase the Risk of Glaucoma
Family history of glaucoma (genetic predisposition)
Being over 40
Diabetes
Severe anemia or shock episodes
High or low systemic blood pressure
High myopia
High hyperopia
Migraine
Long-term steroid therapy
Eye injuries
Racial factors
Because the risk is higher in these individuals, routine eye examinations are recommended to detect optic nerve damage early.
Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma treatment generally includes:
Medication (eye drops)
Laser treatment
Surgical treatment
If eye pressure cannot be reduced and the disease continues to progress despite medication or laser therapy, the preferred treatment is often surgery.
Why Is Early Diagnosis Important?
When glaucoma is detected early, it can usually be managed effectively. For people with a family history of glaucoma, consistent follow-up examinations are especially important for successful control.
Patient Guidelines During Glaucoma Treatment
Eye drops are commonly used and help reduce intraocular pressure to keep the disease under control. Treatment often starts with a single type of drop. The most critical factor is using the medication exactly as prescribed.
To evaluate effectiveness, the patient is typically asked to return after 2–3 weeks for repeat pressure measurement. Treatment may continue with the same medication or be adjusted. Patients should inform their physician about any other medications they use and any underlying health conditions.
Diagnostic Tests Used in Glaucoma
Eye pressure measurement is a quick and easy part of routine examination. During comprehensive eye exams, both refraction testing and eye pressure measurement should be performed. These measurements can identify glaucoma suspicion even in the absence of symptoms.
The fundamental issue in glaucoma is loss of nerve fibers forming the optic nerve. For patients with suspicious findings, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) assessment is important to detect damage. This is done using specialized light/photographic techniques and computer-assisted imaging. Additional tests may include corneal thickness measurement and visual field testing.
Can Glaucoma Be Completely Cured?
Glaucoma can be controlled and its progression can be slowed or stopped; however, a person diagnosed with glaucoma typically needs lifelong follow-up and ongoing treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Normal Eye Pressure (IOP)?
Intraocular pressure measurement is an essential part of ophthalmic examination. Whether glaucoma is suspected is evaluated based on the measurement and additional findings. Glaucoma can be difficult to detect because pressure can fluctuate during the day, and thin corneas may cause readings that underestimate true pressure.
While pressures below 20 mmHg are often considered normal, it is important to remember that there are many types of glaucoma (e.g., pigmentary, neovascular, exfoliative, congenital). Therefore, in addition to pressure measurement, corneal thickness, optic nerve, and retinal evaluation must also be performed.
How Does Glaucoma Get Better?
If untreated, glaucoma can progress to blindness. Treatment cannot reverse existing optic nerve damage, but it can slow or stop progression. The main goal is to preserve vision throughout the patient’s lifetime.
What Happens When Eye Pressure Rises?
Rising intraocular pressure is one of the most serious risk situations. As pressure increases, the visual field narrows and permanent damage may occur. Regular monitoring is important to protect eye health.
What Should Glaucoma Patients Avoid Eating?
As with many chronic diseases, excessive sugary and fatty foods may negatively affect eye health. Also, drinking large amounts of fluid in short intervals may increase intraocular pressure in some glaucoma patients.
Can Glaucoma Affect Only One Eye?
Yes. Glaucoma may occur in one eye or both eyes.
At What Eye Pressure Level Is It Dangerous?
In general, 9 mmHg is considered the lower limit and 22 mmHg the upper limit for eye pressure. Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up inside the eye and increases intraocular pressure, which can lead to optic nerve damage.
Does Eye Pressure Affect Blood Pressure?
Eye pressure and systemic blood pressure are two different conditions. They are often confused among the public, but they are independent. However, because systemic blood pressure can affect many organs, very high or very low blood pressure can also influence eye health. Glaucoma patients are therefore expected to pay extra attention to systemic blood pressure.
Does Glaucoma Cause Headache?
Severe headaches can be a prominent complaint in high eye pressure, but it is not correct to link every headache to glaucoma. Persistent headaches should be evaluated to identify the underlying cause.
Does Glaucoma Cause Eye Pain?
Symptoms often appear in advanced stages and vary depending on the type of glaucoma. Eye pain can occur due to glaucoma. If eye pain does not resolve, an eye examination is recommended. In routine eye exams, eye pressure measurement and fundus (eye-bottom) examination should be performed.
*This content is for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Prepared by the Dünyagöz Hospital Editorial Board.
Last Updated: 18.12.2022
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