Glaucoma: Most Effective Dietary Supplements

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve. This condition can cause the loss of peripheral vision and, if untreated, lead to blindness. There are several forms of glaucoma, the most common being open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.

Mechanisms of Glaucoma

In glaucoma, intraocular pressure increases when the aqueous humor, the fluid filling the eye’s anterior chamber, is not properly drained. This fluid is continually produced by the ciliary processes and must be eliminated via the trabecular meshwork to maintain normal IOP. An imbalance between the production and evacuation of the aqueous humor increases internal eye pressure, compressing the optic nerve and causing irreversible damage. Open-angle glaucoma is generally due to the progressive degeneration of the trabeculum, whereas closed-angle glaucoma results from a sudden obstruction of the drainage angle. Optic nerve damage may be linked to mechanical compression (mechanical theory) or poor blood flow to the optic nerve head (ischemic theory).

Risk Factors

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma: • Age: The risk increases after 40 years, especially after 60. • Family History: People with close relatives affected by glaucoma have a higher risk. • Ethnicity: Individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic origin are at greater risk. • Systemic Diseases: Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases can foster the onset of glaucoma. • Myopia: People with myopia are more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma. • Corticosteroids: Prolonged use of corticosteroids, notably in eye drops, can increase intraocular pressure.

Classification and Symptoms

Glaucoma can mainly be classified into two types: Open-Angle Glaucoma This is the most common form, accounting for about 90% of cases. This type of glaucoma develops slowly and often without symptoms for several years. Early clinical signs are subtle, making diagnosis difficult without regular screening. Increased IOP leads to a gradual loss of peripheral vision (scotomas). In advanced stages, central vision may also be affected, and patients can develop irreversible blindness if untreated in time. Closed-Angle Glaucoma Less common, this type of glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle for the aqueous humor is suddenly blocked, causing a rapid increase in IOP. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, its symptoms are more acute: severe eye pain, headaches, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and seeing halos around lights. Closed-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent irreversible optic nerve damage.

Treatment

The treatment of glaucoma aims to reduce intraocular pressure to avoid optic nerve damage. Various options are available depending on the type and severity of glaucoma: • Medications: Hypotensive eye drops are prescribed to decrease the production of aqueous humor or facilitate its drainage. Such treatments include beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and prostaglandin analogs. • Laser: Laser procedures such as trabeculoplasty can be used to enhance aqueous humor drainage in open-angle glaucoma. For closed-angle glaucoma, a peripheral iridotomy can be performed to restore fluid evacuation. • Surgery: In cases where medical or laser treatments are insufficient, surgical interventions like trabeculectomy or installing drainage devices might be necessary to control IOP.

Prevention

Early screening is essential to prevent the progression of glaucoma. It is recommended to undergo a comprehensive eye exam every 2 to 3 years after 40 years, or more frequently if at risk. Monitoring IOP, controlling cardiovascular risk factors, and wearing protective glasses when engaging in risky activities are vital preventive measures.