Glokom is an eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which is vital for visual quality. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye.
Glokom is one of the leading causes of blindness in individuals over 60 years old. It can occur at any age, but it is more commonly observed in older adults. Many forms of glokom have no symptoms. Due to its insidious nature, you may not notice any changes in your vision until the condition has advanced to a later stage.
Since the vision loss caused by glokom is irreversible, it is important to undergo regular eye examinations, including measurements of your eye pressure, to enable early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If glokom is diagnosed early, vision loss can be slowed down or prevented. If you have glokom, you will typically require treatment for the rest of your life.

Symptoms of Ocular Hypertension

Glokom typically does not cause any noticeable symptoms initially. It tends to progress slowly over the years, initially affecting the edges of your vision (peripheral or side vision). Although it may be more advanced in one eye, both eyes are usually affected.

• Peripheral or side vision loss: This is often the first sign of glokom.
• Seeing halos around lights: If you see rainbow-colored circles around lights or if you are unusually sensitive to light, it may be a symptom of glokom.
• Vision loss: Especially if it occurs suddenly.
• Redness in the eye: Pain may accompany it.
• Cloudy-looking eye: A cloudy cornea is the most common early sign of childhood glokom.
• Nausea or vomiting: Particularly when accompanied by severe eye pain.
• Eye and head pain: This is typically observed in angle-closure glokom, a type of glokom that can develop rapidly.
• Tunnel vision: You may experience loss at the edges of your visual field.

Risk Factors for Ocular Hypertension

Since chronic forms of glokom can impair vision before any signs or symptoms appear, it is important to be aware of the following risk factors:

• Having elevated intraocular pressure (inside eye pressure)
• Being over 60 years of age
• Being of African or Asian descent
• Having a family history of glokom
• Having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or sickle cell anemia
• Having thin central corneas
• Having high myopia or hyperopia
• Having a history of eye injury or certain eye surgeries
• Using medications containing corticosteroids for a prolonged period