Glaucoma: Symptoms, Risks, and Eye Pressure Concerns - Ophthalmology

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Understanding glaucoma, especially in the context of high myopia and other eye conditions, is crucial for maintaining eye health. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to high intraocular pressure (IOP). However, it can also occur with normal eye pressure, known as normal-tension glaucoma. Given your concerns about your eye health, let's delve into the symptoms, risks, and the relationship between eye pressure and glaucoma.


Symptoms of Glaucoma
1. Peripheral Vision Loss: One of the earliest signs of glaucoma is the loss of peripheral vision. This can manifest as tunnel vision, where you may notice that your side vision is narrowing.


2. Halos Around Lights: Seeing halos or rings around lights, especially at night, can be a symptom of glaucoma. This is often due to corneal edema or changes in the optic nerve.

3. Blurred Vision: Sudden blurred vision can occur, particularly during an acute glaucoma attack, but it can also be a sign of chronic glaucoma.

4. Eye Pain and Headaches: In acute glaucoma, you may experience severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. However, chronic glaucoma often has no pain.

5. Black Shadows: The presence of dark spots or shadows in your vision, particularly if they appear suddenly, should be evaluated by an eye care professional.


Risks Associated with Glaucoma
1. High Myopia: Individuals with high myopia are at an increased risk for developing glaucoma. The elongation of the eyeball can lead to changes in the optic nerve and increase the likelihood of glaucoma.

2. Age: The risk of glaucoma increases with age, particularly after the age of 40.

3. Family History: A family history of glaucoma can significantly increase your risk.

4. Other Eye Conditions: Conditions such as cataracts, diabetes, and previous eye injuries can also elevate your risk.


Eye Pressure Concerns
Your recent eye pressure readings of 17 and 18 mmHg are within the normal range, but it’s important to note that glaucoma can occur even with normal pressure. The relationship between anxiety and eye pressure is also noteworthy; anxiety can temporarily elevate your eye pressure, but this is typically not a long-term concern.

Importance of Regular Check-ups
Given your history of high myopia and the recent findings of posterior vitreous detachment and concerns about the macula, it is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations for regular eye exams. The fact that your doctor suggested monitoring your eye pressure and conducting visual field tests if your pressure exceeds 18 mmHg indicates a proactive approach to your eye health.


Visual Symptoms and Their Implications
The "round black shadow" you see when looking to the right could be related to several factors, including vitreous detachment or changes in the retina. It is crucial to have this evaluated by an eye care professional. The appearance of halos around lights can also be associated with various conditions, including glaucoma, but it is not definitive on its own.


Conclusion
In summary, while your current eye pressure readings are normal, the presence of high myopia and other eye conditions necessitates careful monitoring. Symptoms like peripheral vision loss, halos, and any changes in your vision should be discussed with your eye care provider. Regular check-ups, including visual field tests and OCT scans, will help in early detection and management of any potential issues, including glaucoma. If you experience any sudden changes in your vision or increased anxiety about your eye health, do not hesitate to reach out to your eye doctor for further evaluation and reassurance.