What does glaucoma do to the brain?

Elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma can injure retinal ganglion cells and trigger the spread of disease to connected target vision structures of the brain. Glaucomatous degeneration has been observed in retrobulbar and intracranial optic nerve, lateral geniculate nucleus, and visual cortex of the brain.

What structure is involved in glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy in which structural changes to the optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary retina are associated with characteristic visual field (VF) defects. These functional deficits correspond to the anatomic distribution of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Why is glaucoma so important?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.

What is fluid in eye called?

Fluid fills most of the inside of the eye. The chambers in front of the lens (both the anterior and posterior chambers) are filled with a clear, watery fluid called aqueous humor. The large space behind the lens (the vitreous chamber) contains a thick, gel-like fluid called vitreous humor or vitreous gel.

What is the pupil of eye?

Pupils are the dark-colored openings at the center of your eyes that let light in. Doctors can look at your pupils for clues about your health. The size of your pupils and how they react to light can help diagnose certain health problems.

What is glaucoma and how does it affect your vision?

Glaucoma tends to run in families. You usually don’t get it until later in life. The increased pressure in your eye, called intraocular pressure, can damage your optic nerve, which sends images to your brain. If the damage worsens, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss or even total blindness within a few years.

How to stop glaucoma from getting worse?

Eye pressure can be lowered with medications, laser procedures and surgeries. Most people with glaucoma and those at high risk of developing glaucoma will use medications at some point to lower eye pressure in order to prevent the disease from getting worse.

What doctor treats glaucoma?

Your ophthalmologist will prescribe your glaucoma treatment. It is up to you to follow your doctor’s instructions and use your eye drops. Once you are taking medications for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you regularly. You can expect to visit your ophthalmologist about every 3–6 months.