Glaucoma : a silent thief of the eye and brain

Glaucoma is a spectrum of diseases which can be easily distinguished by the damaged optic nerve, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain. This is often triggered by intraocular pressure, high pressure in the optic nerve.

Types :

• Primary open angle glaucoma
• angle closure glaucoma
• normal tension glaucoma
• secondary glaucoma
• Congenital glaucoma

Symptoms :

• headache
• eye pain
• nausea
• blurred vision
• vomiting
• swollen eyes
• double vision

Risk factors :

• Aging over 40 years
• family history
• medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases
• smoking
• poor diet
• lack of exercise
• Eye injuries

Prevention :

• regular eye exam
• healthy lifestyle choices

Glaucoma is beyond the eye, it also majorly affects the brain. By taking regular eye exams, one can easily be aware of it and get timely treatment. It can have adverse effects on the neurological health of a person as well.