Glaucoma: What You Need to Know About This Condition

Admin February 29, 2024

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can damage your optic nerve and cause vision loss or blindness. In this article, we will explain what glaucoma is, what are its types, how it affects your eyes, and how it can be treated.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that damage your optic nerve, which is the connection that connects your eye to your brain. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting the images that you see to your brain, where they are processed and interpreted. If the optic nerve is damaged, your vision will be affected.

The most common cause of glaucoma is a buildup of pressure inside your eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Your eye produces a clear fluid called aqueous humor, which nourishes and cleanses your eye. This fluid normally flows out of your eye through a mesh-like channel called the drainage angle. If this channel gets blocked or the eye produces too much fluid, the fluid will accumulate and increase the pressure inside your eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve over time and lead to vision loss.

What are the types of glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma, but the two main ones are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma affects up to 90% of the population. It occurs when the drainage angle of your eye is not able to manufacture a fluid that flows through the front section of the eye, causing the eye pressure to rise gradually. The drainage angle appears to be open and normal, but the fluid does not drain properly. This type of glaucoma develops slowly and painlessly, and you may not notice any symptoms until you have significant vision loss. Hence, this type of glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight”. That is why it is important to have regular eye exams to detect and treat glaucoma early.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common but more serious type of glaucoma, which occurs when the drainage angle of your eye becomes blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. This can happen when your pupil increases in size (dilated) too quickly, such as in dim light or when taking certain medications. This blocks the drainage angle and prevents the fluid from leaving your eye. This type of glaucoma can cause symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

How does glaucoma affect your eyes?

Glaucoma affects your eyes by damaging your optic nerve and reducing your field of vision. Your field of vision is the area that you can see around you without moving your eyes or head. Glaucoma usually affects your peripheral vision first, meaning that you may lose sight of the objects or people on the sides of your vision. You may not notice this at first, because your central vision, which is used for reading and recognizing faces, may still be intact. However, as the disease progresses, your central vision may also be affected, and you may eventually become blind.

Glaucoma can also affect your eyes by changing their appearance. Some people with glaucoma may develop redness, swelling, or cloudiness in their eyes. Some glaucoma medications may also cause side effects such as eye color change, darkening of eyelid skin, eyelash growth, droopy eyelids, or sunken eyes.

How can glaucoma be prevented?

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but you can reduce your risk of developing it or slow down its progression by following these tips:

Have regular eye exams. This is the best way to detect glaucoma early, before it causes irreversible vision loss. You should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years, or more often if you have a higher risk of glaucoma, such as being older than 40, having a family history of glaucoma, or having diabetes.

Know your eye pressure. Your eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and the normal range is between 10 and 21 mmHg. However, some people may have glaucoma even with normal eye pressure, and some people may not have glaucoma even with high eye pressure. Your eye doctor will determine your target eye pressure based on your eye condition and other factors. You should monitor your eye pressure regularly and follow your eye doctor’s advice to keep it within the target range.

Protect your eyes from injury. Eye injury can cause or worsen glaucoma by damaging your optic nerve or blocking your drainage angle. You should wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or sunglasses, when playing sports, working with tools, or being exposed to sunlight or dust. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes or putting pressure on your eyes, such as with tight-fitting masks or goggles.

Live a healthy lifestyle. Your overall health can affect your eye health and your risk of glaucoma. You should eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, to nourish and protect your eyes. You should exercise regularly, but avoid activities that involve head-down positions or straining, as they may increase your eye pressure. You should also manage your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, as they may affect your blood flow and oxygen supply to your eyes. You should avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs, as they may harm your eyes and your health.

What is glaucoma according to ayurveda?

According to ayurveda, glaucoma may be compared to Adhimantha, a disease of the eyes that involves the vitiation of all Doshas, with Pitta and Rakta as dominant. Adhimantha is characterized by symptoms such as heaviness of the head, watering, itching, and pain in the eyes, which reflects the nature of the disease glaucoma. Adhimantha is caused by improper management or neglect of the disease Abhishyanda, which may be compared with ocular inflammation. This inflammation is due to accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body, which obstructs the channels of the eyes. The pressure of the eyes increases if Abhishyanda is not managed, and damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting the images that you see to your brain. If left untreated, Adhimantha can lead to blindness.

What are the types of glaucoma according to ayurveda?

Ayurveda classifies glaucoma into four types based on the predominant Dosha: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, and Raktaja.

Vataja Adhimanta

Vataja Adhimanta is caused by the aggravation of Vata Dosha, which is the principle of movement and dryness in the body. Vata Dosha affects the nerves, muscles, and bones of the eyes, causing them to become weak and brittle. Vataja Adhimantha is characterized by symptoms such as:

Dryness and roughness of the eyes

Noise in the ears

Pain in the eyebrows, forehead, and other parts

Dirt and fleshy congestion in the eyes

Loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision

Pittaja Adhimanta

Pittaja Adhimanta is caused by the aggravation of Pitta Dosha, which is the principle of heat and transformation in the body. Pittaja Adhimanta is characterized by symptoms such as:

Redness and burning sensation in the eyes

Eyelids swollen and inflamed

Perceiving objects as yellow

Sudden increase in eye pressure and pain

Fainting and burning in the head

Kaphaja Adhimanta

Kaphaja Adhimanta is caused by the aggravation of Kapha Dosha, which is responsible for weight and stability in the body. It is characterized by symptoms such as:

Swollen eye and excess tearing

Itching, coldness, heaviness, and sliminess of the eyes

Running nose and headache

Feeling as though the eyes are full of sand

Raktaja Adhimanta

Raktaja Adhimanta is caused by the aggravation of Rakta or blood. It is characterized by symptoms such as:

Eye looks red and delicate

Bleeding, due to which there is loss of vision

Inflamed and reddish discoloration of the eye

In addition, Adhimanta can manifest as a combination of two Doshas (Samsarga) or equally with all three Doshas (Sannipata). In these cases, specific features of the affected Doshas are seen.

How is glaucoma managed according to ayurveda?

Ayurveda manages glaucoma by adopting a holistic approach that includes various therapies, herbal formulations, and diet and lifestyle modifications. The aim of ayurvedic treatment is to balance the Doshas, eliminate Ama, improve blood circulation and nerve function, and strengthen the eyes. The main components of ayurvedic treatment are:

Panchakarma

Panchakarma or detoxification therapy, involves five procedures: Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal administration of drugs), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting). Panchakarma helps to cleanse the body of toxins, reduce the inflammation and pressure in the eyes, and restore the equilibrium of the Doshas. Panchakarma is done under the supervision of an ayurvedic physician, and the type and duration of the therapy depend on the individual condition of the patient. Netra Tarpana Netra Tarpana is a specialized eye therapy that involves pouring medicated ghee over the eyes and retaining it for a specific period of time. Netra Tarpana nourishes and lubricates the eyes, reduces eye pressure and pain, and improves vision. Netra Tarpana is done by creating a dough ring around the eyes and filling it with warm ghee. The ghee is changed periodically and the procedure is repeated for several days.

Seka

Seka is a therapy that involves pouring medicated liquid over the eyes from a specific height. Netra Seka cleanses and soothes the eyes, removes impurities and infections, and enhances function of the eyes.

Anjana

Anjana is the application of medicated collyrium to the eyes. Anjana protects and heals the eyes, prevents the recurrence of glaucoma, and improves the vision. Anjana is done by using a special instrument called Shalaka, which is a thin rod with two tapered ends. The collyrium or are placed on the edges of the rods and applied to the eyes.

Diet and Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle play an important role in the prevention and management of glaucoma. Ayurveda recommends the following dietary and lifestyle guidelines for glaucoma patients:

Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C. Include foods such as green leafy vegetables, carrots, berries, nuts, seeds, and citrus fruits in your diet.

Avoid foods that are spicy, sour, salty, fermented, or processed. These foods can aggravate Pitta and Rakta, and increase the eye pressure and inflammation. Also, avoid foods that are dry, cold, or stale, as they can aggravate Vata Dosha and cause dryness and stiffness in the eyes.

Drink plenty of water and fluids, such as coconut water, buttermilk, or herbal teas. This helps to flush out the toxins, hydrate the eyes, and reduce the eye pressure.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illegal drugs, as they can harm your eyes and your health.

Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, dust, smoke, or pollution, as they can irritate and damage your eyes. Wear protective eyewear, such as sunglasses or goggles, when going outdoors or working with tools.

Avoid straining your eyes, such as by reading in dim light, watching TV or computer for long hours, or driving at night. Take frequent breaks and blink your eyes often to relax and refresh them.

Avoid stress, anger, or anxiety, as they can increase the eye pressure and affect your vision. Practice meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises to calm your mind and body.

Sleep well and rest your eyes. Sleeping for at least 7 to 8 hours a night helps to rejuvenate your eyes and prevent glaucoma progression. You can also apply a warm compress or a cotton pad soaked in rose water to your eyes before sleeping to soothe and heal them.

To conclude, glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can damage your optic nerve and cause vision loss or blindness. It is often called the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it does not have any symptoms in the early stages. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to manage glaucoma, by balancing the doshas,eliminating the toxins, improving the blood circulation and nerve function, and strengthening the eyes. Ayurveda also recommends various therapies, herbal formulations, and lifestyle modifications to prevent or delay glaucoma and protect your vision. However, glaucoma cannot be cured, and it requires regular eye exams and proper medication to detect and treat it early. Therefore, it is important to take care of your eyes and consult your ayurvedic physician if you have any questions or concerns about glaucoma.