Is high intraocular pressure always glaucoma?

Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by typical optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects, with high intraocular pressure and visual field loss as features. Clinically, some patients have long-term high intraocular pressure but do not exhibit optic nerve and visual field damage. This condition is not called glaucoma, but is referred to as ocular hypertension. Meanwhile, some patients may have normal eye pressure but still exhibit typical glaucoma optic nerve damage and visual field defects; this condition is called normal-tension glaucoma. Therefore, high intraocular pressure does not necessarily indicate glaucoma, and normal intraocular pressure can also potentially be glaucoma.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases characterized by characteristic optic nerve atrophy and visual field defects, with pathological elevated intraocular pressure as its main risk factor. The main symptoms of glaucoma include blurry vision and blocked vision. Due to different types, it is also accompanied by other eye symptoms such as eye pain, eye bulging, foggy vision, as well as pain in the nasal root and head, and even nausea and vomiting.

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Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
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What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases characterized by increased eye pressure, leading to optic nerve atrophy and vision loss. The symptoms of glaucoma are mainly caused by increased eye pressure, resulting in eye pain. In cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms include eye pain along with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and tearing, which can easily be mistaken for neurological diseases. Chronic glaucoma symptoms, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting, are less pronounced, and eye discomfort is also more concealed during attacks, making early detection difficult. Therefore, it is important for glaucoma patients to undergo early examination and diagnosis, and to receive appropriate treatment in order to protect the optic nerve and prevent severe vision loss.

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Written by Zheng Xin
Ophthalmology
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Glaucoma Precautions

Once glaucoma is confirmed, active treatment is necessary, such as medication or surgery. In daily life, the following points should be noted: First, do not stay in dark environments for a long time. Second, avoid excessive use of eyes and ensure to rest. Third, try to avoid drinking strong tea or coffee and do not drink a large amount of water at once. Fourth, avoid using drugs that can trigger glaucoma attacks, such as antispasmodics and antidepressants.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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What are the symptoms of glaucoma precursor?

The prodromal phase of glaucoma is characterized by transient or recurrent attacks, often occurring multiple times, typically in the evenings. During an attack, patients suddenly experience blurred vision and halos around lights, possibly accompanied by pain in the forehead on the affected side or a sour swelling at the root of the nose on the same side. These symptoms are short-lived and can resolve or disappear after rest. If examined immediately, increased intraocular pressure can be detected, often above 40 mmHg, with slight conjunctival congestion or no congestion. There is mild foggy edema in the corneal epithelium. The anterior chamber is extremely shallow, but the aqueous humor is clear, with a wide closure of the chamber angle, slightly dilated pupils, and sluggish light reflexes. After a minor attack subsides, aside from the characteristic shallow anterior chamber, there generally is no permanent tissue damage.

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Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
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Can glaucoma be contagious?

Glaucoma is not contagious. It is not an infectious disease; rather, it is a group of diseases characterized by increased eye pressure, leading to optic nerve atrophy and vision decline. The most common cause is genetic factors, meaning if elders or parents in the family have this condition, the incidence of glaucoma in their offspring will also be higher. It is an eye disease caused by anatomical abnormalities of the eye. Additionally, some cases of glaucoma are caused by trauma or other reasons, so glaucoma is not contagious.