Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by
damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. Symptoms may
manifest gradually, making them easy to overlook. Detecting glaucoma necessitates
a thorough dilated eye examination as it may not present noticeable signs. While
there is no cure for glaucoma, timely intervention through early treatment can
frequently halt further damage and safeguard your vision.
What are the types of Glaucoma?
There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common type in the United States is called open-angle glaucoma — that’s what most people mean when they talk about glaucoma. Other types are less common, like angle-closure glaucoma and congenital glaucoma.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
At first, glaucoma doesn’t usually have any symptoms. That’s why half of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it. Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your side (peripheral) vision — especially the part of your vision that’s closest to your nose. Because it happens so slowly, many people can’t tell that their vision is changing at first. But as the disease gets worse, you may start to notice that you can’t see things off to the side anymore. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.
Am I at risk for glaucoma?
Anyone can get glaucoma, but some people are at higher risk. You’re at higher risk if you:
● Are over age 60, especially if you’re Hispanic/Latino.
● Are African American and over age 40.
● Have a family history of glaucoma.
When to get help right away?
Angle-closure glaucoma can cause these sudden symptoms:
● Intense eye pain
● Upset stomach (nausea)
● Blurry vision
If you have any of these symptoms, go to your doctor or an emergency room now.
What causes glaucoma?
Scientists aren’t sure what causes the most common types of glaucoma, but many people with glaucoma have high eye pressure — and treatments that lower eye pressure help to slow the disease. There’s no way to prevent glaucoma. That’s why eye exams are so important — so you and your doctor can find it before it affects your vision.
How will my eye doctor check for glaucoma?
Eye doctors can check for glaucoma as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless — your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for glaucoma and other eye problems. The exam includes a visual field test to check your side vision.
Did you know?
- Glaucoma can happen in 1 eye or both eyes.
- Some people with high eye pressure don’t get glaucoma — and there’s a type of glaucoma that happens in people with normal eye pressure
- Normal eye pressure varies by person — what’s normal for 1 person could be high for another
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. It affects people of all ages, but the risk increases with age. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management.
While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and management can control the progression of the disease and prevent further vision loss. Regular follow-ups with an eye care professional are crucial.
There is a genetic component to glaucoma, and individuals with a family history have a higher risk. However, the presence of a family history does not guarantee the development of glaucoma.
Treatment aims to reduce intraocular pressure and may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgical procedures. The choice depends on the type and severity of glaucoma. If you have concerns about glaucoma or are at risk, schedule regular eye exams and contact us now.