GLAUCOMA

The neuroprotective intervention enhances the contrast sensitivity and reduces the development of visual field defects.

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by the damage of the optic nerve which can lead to loss of vision. It is a slowly developing disease that generally causes mild symptoms such as blurred vision and seeing circles around bright lights, but it can also cause more severe symptoms including intense eye pain, headaches, tenderness around the eyes, nausea and vomiting. Glaucoma is most common in adults over 70 years old.

There are different types of glaucoma. Primary open angle glaucoma is the most common type, it develops slowly over many years and is cause by gradual clogging of the eye drainage channels. Acute angle closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage channels are suddenly blocked, this causes a sudden and rapid rise in the pressure inside the eye, but this type of glaucoma is much less common. Secondary glaucoma, as its name indicates, is due to an underlying eye condition, such as uveitis (inflammation of the eye). Childhood glaucoma can occur in young children in some rare cases; this is due to an abnormality of the eye.

Risk factors for glaucoma are varied, they include ethnicity, genetics, other medical conditions (diabetes, short/long-sightedness), and most importantly, age. So far, reversing the loss of vision due to glaucoma is not possible, however the progression of the disease can be slowed or stopped.

THE NEUROPROTECTIVE INTERVENTION ENHACES THE CONTRAST SENSITIVITY AND REDUCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF VISUAL FIELD DEFECTS