Kala Motia, also known as glaucoma, is caused by increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure), which damages the optic nerve. This damage to the optic nerve leads to vision loss and, if left untreated, can result in blindness.
While increased intraocular pressure is the primary cause, the underlying reasons for this increased pressure can vary. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for effective management.
Here's a breakdown:
- Aqueous Humor: A clear fluid called aqueous humor normally circulates inside the eye, nourishing tissues. It flows through a drainage angle and exits the eye.
- Drainage Problems: Glaucoma often arises when the drainage angle becomes blocked or impaired. This blockage prevents the aqueous humor from draining properly, leading to a buildup of pressure within the eye.
- Types of Glaucoma: Different types of glaucoma have different underlying causes for the drainage problems:
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type. The drainage angle appears open, but the fluid drains too slowly. The exact cause isn't always known, but it's often related to age, genetics, and other health conditions.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: The drainage angle becomes blocked, often because the iris (the colored part of the eye) is too close to the drainage angle. This can happen suddenly (acute angle-closure glaucoma) or gradually (chronic angle-closure glaucoma).
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: The optic nerve is damaged despite normal intraocular pressure. The reason for this is not fully understood, but possible factors include a sensitive optic nerve or reduced blood supply to the nerve.
- Secondary Glaucoma: This type results from other conditions, such as eye injuries, inflammation, tumors, or certain medications (e.g., steroids).
- Congenital Glaucoma: This is a rare condition present at birth, caused by improper development of the eye's drainage system.
In summary, while the direct cause of Kala Motia is damage to the optic nerve due to increased intraocular pressure, the root cause often lies in problems with the drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. Identifying the specific type of glaucoma and its underlying cause is essential for determining the appropriate treatment.
