A: Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. It is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.

A: Glaucoma is a common eye disease and is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. It affects people of all ages, but the risk increases with age. The prevalence of glaucoma varies among different populations.

A: Glaucoma is a common eye disease and is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. It affects people of all ages, but the risk increases with age. The prevalence of glaucoma varies among different populations.

A: The two main types of glaucoma are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and occurs when the drainage angle in the eye becomes partially blocked, leading to a gradual increase in intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common and occurs when the iris blocks the drainage angle, causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure.

A: In the early stages, glaucoma usually does not cause noticeable symptoms. It often progresses slowly and painlessly. As the disease advances, symptoms may include gradual peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, blurred vision, halos around lights, eye redness, and eye pain or discomfort in angle-closure glaucoma.

A: Glaucoma is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. The examination may include measuring intraocular pressure, evaluating the optic nerve through dilated eye examination, assessing visual field, and using imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle.

A: There is no known way to prevent glaucoma entirely, but early detection and treatment can help slow down or prevent further vision loss. Regular eye examinations, especially for individuals at higher risk, can aid in the early diagnosis of glaucoma and enable timely intervention.

A: The treatment for glaucoma aims to reduce intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy (such as selective laser trabeculoplasty or laser peripheral iridotomy), and surgical procedures (such as trabeculectomy or implantation of drainage devices). The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma.

A: While lifestyle changes cannot cure glaucoma, they can play a supportive role in managing the condition. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking, managing blood pressure, and following the prescribed treatment plan, including using prescribed