silmänpainetautiin

Silmänpainetauti, also known as glaucoma, is a group of eye conditions that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. The increased pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP), happens when the fluid inside your eye doesn't flow or drain properly.

There are several types of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form, where the drainage angle in the eye is open, but the fluid doesn't flow out properly. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. Other types include normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs even though eye pressure is within the normal range, and congenital glaucoma, which is present at birth.

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma can develop slowly and may not be noticeable at first, often leading to a gradual loss of peripheral vision. In contrast, angle-closure glaucoma can cause sudden, severe eye pain, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and halos around lights.

Diagnosis of silmänpainetauti typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry), examining the optic nerve, and testing peripheral vision. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent or slow down vision loss.

Treatment options vary depending on the type and severity of glaucoma. They often include prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure, oral medications, laser therapy to improve fluid drainage, and surgery. While vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment can help preserve remaining vision. Regular eye check-ups are recommended, especially for individuals with risk factors such as a family history of glaucoma, advanced age, diabetes, and high blood pressure.