Ocular Hypertension Vs. Glaucoma: Key Differences To Know
Taking care of your eyes is important. Sometimes, the pressure inside your eyes can be too high, and this can cause problems. This article talks about ocular hypertension vs. glaucoma. Let’s learn about these two conditions and how they can be addressed.
What Is Ocular Hypertension?
Ocular hypertension happens when the pressure inside your eye is too high. Your eye has a fluid called aqueous humour that helps keep it healthy. If this fluid doesn’t drain properly, it can build up and raise the pressure in your eye.
Even though the pressure is high, it doesn’t hurt the eye’s optic nerve right away. But if you’re one of the untreated ocular hypertension patients, you may get glaucoma. That’s why getting ocular hypertension treated is necessary.
Most people with ocular hypertension don’t notice any changes in their vision. That’s why it’s really important to visit the eye doctor to have your eye pressure checked.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that can hurt the optic nerve in your eye. It is often caused by high intraocular pressure, just like ocular hypertension.
If glaucoma is not treated, it can make you lose your vision. The good news is, if doctors find it early, treatment can help stop it from getting worse.
Types Of Glaucoma
There are different types of glaucoma, and they can affect your eyes in different ways. Let’s learn about the most common types:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. It happens when the eye’s drainage system works slowly, and the fluid in the eye can’t drain properly. This causes elevated eye pressure. Developing glaucoma of this kind may be gradual, so you might not notice any changes in your vision at first. That’s why it’s important to get regular eye exams to catch it early.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is another common type, but it can be more serious. It happens when the drainage angle in the eye is blocked or narrow, causing the pressure to rise quickly. This can cause sudden symptoms like a headache, blurry vision, and eye pain. If you notice these signs, you should see your eye doctor right away.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
In this glaucoma, people have normal eye pressure. Yet, the optic nerve still gets damaged. The cause of this is not understood, but it can happen when there is insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve. People with normal-tension glaucoma may not notice symptoms. So it’s important to see an eye doctor.
Congenital Glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that babies are born with. It happens when the drainage system in the eye doesn’t develop properly. If it’s not treated, it can damage the optic nerve and affect the baby’s vision. Babies with congenital glaucoma may have cloudy eyes or trouble seeing.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma happens when another eye problem raises eye pressure. For example, an eye injury or infection can cause secondary glaucoma. Certain medicines, like steroids, can also increase the risk of secondary glaucoma.
Although each type of glaucoma is different, all can damage the optic nerve. It’s important to visit your doctor to check for signs of glaucoma, especially if you have a family history. Early detection may help protect your vision.
Ocular Hypertension Vs. Glaucoma: What’s The Difference?
In ocular hypertension, the pressure in the eye is high, but there’s no damage to the optic nerve yet. In glaucoma, the optic nerve damage is there because of the high pressure.
What Are The Symptoms?
People with ocular hypertension usually don’t feel anything. It’s called a “silent” condition because no obvious signs exist. That’s why it’s important to see the eye doctor.
Glaucoma, on the other hand, may start with blurry vision or seeing halos around lights. You might not notice it at first, but you could start losing side (peripheral) vision over time. If you notice any changes in your vision, it’s important to see your eye doctor.
Risk Factors For Ocular Hypertension And Glaucoma
Certain things can put you at risk of developing glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Some of these are:
- Family History: If someone in your family has had glaucoma, this is a risk factor.
- Age: People over 40 are more likely to develop these conditions.
- High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can increase the chances of eye problems.
- Eye Injuries: Any injury to the eye can affect the pressure inside it.
- Ethnicity: Those of African or Asian descent are at higher risk for glaucoma.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s even more important to see your eye doctor for regular check-ups.
How Is Ocular Hypertension Diagnosed?
Ocular hypertension is usually found during a routine eye exam. Your eye doctor will use tonometry to measure the pressure in your eyes. They will also check the optic nerve to make sure it’s healthy.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
If your eye doctor thinks you may have glaucoma, they will do several tests. These might include:
- Tonometry: To check the pressure in your eye.
- Visual field test: To look at your side vision.
- Eye exam: To check the nerve in your eye and see if there is any damage.
Treatment For Glaucoma
The goal is to lower the eye pressure and stop further harm to the optic nerve. Some of the treatments for glaucoma include:
- Eye drops: These are used to lower eye pressure.
- Laser Surgery: This can help open the drainage angle or make the drainage system work better.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery might be needed to create a new drainage path for the fluid.
Success Of Glaucoma Surgery
Glaucoma surgery can help lower eye pressure and stop more damage to the optic nerve. While the surgery can’t fix the damage that has already happened, it can prevent further vision loss. It’s important to keep seeing your eye doctor regularly to make sure the treatment is working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glaucoma surgery safe?
Glaucoma surgery can help lower eye pressure, but like any surgery, it has some risks. There may be problems like infection, bleeding, or changes in vision, but these are not so common.
Your doctor will talk to you and help you understand them. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice before and after surgery to make sure everything goes well.
How often should I get my eyes checked?
It’s important to have regular eye exams if you are at risk for glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Your doctor will determine when to get checked based on age, family history, and health.
What happens if glaucoma is not treated?
If glaucoma is not treated, the pressure can hurt the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. That’s why early detection and treatment are important to protect your vision.
Can stress affect eye pressure?
Yes, stress can temporarily raise eye pressure. But it usually goes back to normal once the stress is reduced. Chronic stress may have other effects on health. So it’s always a good idea to manage stress and have regular check-ups to keep your eye pressure in check.
Key Takeaways
Taking care of your eyes is important to keep your vision healthy. Understanding the difference between ocular hypertension and glaucoma can help protect your eyes. If you have regular eye exams, follow your doctor’s advice and care for your health. This way, you can help keep your eyes and vision in great shape!
If you’re worried about ocular hypertension or glaucoma, we’re here in Melbourne. Early checks can help keep your eyes healthy.
Call Armadale Eye Clinic today at (03) 9070 5753 to make sure your vision stays strong and clear!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources:
Biggerstaff K S 2024. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG). Medscape. Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1206147-overview [Accessed November 13, 2024]
Boyd K 2024. What Is Ocular Hypertension? American Academy of Ophthalmology. Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-ocular-hypertension [Accessed November 13, 2024]
Glaucoma Australia. Risk Factors for Glaucoma. Glaucoma Australia. Available at: https://glaucoma.org.au/what-is-glaucoma/risk-factors-for-glaucoma [Accessed November 13, 2024]
Healthdirect Australia 2022. Glaucoma. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/glaucoma [Accessed November 13, 2024]
Mayo Clinic Staff 2022. Glaucoma – Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372846 [Accessed November 13, 2024]
NHS 2021. Glaucoma Treatment. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/treatments/[Accessed November 13, 2024]
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