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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the United States. It’s estimated that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and nearly half of them don’t know they have it. Glaucoma affects people over age 60 most often, but it can occur at any age. Because glaucoma often develops without early warning signs, it is sometimes called the “silent thief of sight.” Learn more about what glaucoma is, glaucoma causes, glaucoma prevention, and how to get glaucoma treatment.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that transmits visual information to the brain. The damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP).

Think of the optic nerve as the “cable” that connects your eye to your brain. If too much pressure builds up inside the eye, it presses on the cable and damages the fibers. Once those fibers are destroyed, they cannot be repaired, and vision loss becomes permanent.

Glaucoma usually develops slowly, and many people don’t notice changes in their vision until significant damage has already occurred.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GLAUCOMA?

Your eye doctor is the only one who can definitively diagnose you with glaucoma. However, if you notice one or more glaucoma symptoms, you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

GLAUCOMA SYMPTOMS

  • Loss of peripheral (side) vision
  • Tunnel vision in later stages
  • Patchy blind spots in central or side vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain or pressure
  • Headaches
  • Halos around lights
  • Redness in the eye
  • Nausea and vomiting (with sudden onset of acute glaucoma)

Glaucoma symptoms may come on slowly (with open-angle glaucoma) or suddenly (with acute angle-closure glaucoma). Because damage happens silently at first, regular eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma early.

WHAT CAUSES GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma occurs when damage to the optic nerve is caused by increased eye pressure or reduced blood flow. Although the exact cause isn’t fully understood, certain factors make you more likely to develop glaucoma.

GLAUCOMA RISK FACTORS

  • Age over 60
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • High intraocular pressure (IOP)
  • Certain medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease)
  • Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
  • Previous eye injury or eye surgery
  • Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
  • Being of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent (higher risk groups)

GLAUCOMA PREVENTION

Glaucoma cannot always be prevented, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk and protect your eyes.

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF GLAUCOMA

  • Get regular comprehensive eye exams (especially after age 40)
  • Know your family eye health history
  • Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure
  • Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease
  • Exercise regularly to improve blood flow to the eyes
  • Protect your eyes from injury by wearing safety eyewear
  • Avoid smoking
  • Follow your doctor’s advice if you have elevated eye pressure

LIVING WITH GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma cannot be cured, and vision loss from glaucoma is permanent. However, treatments can help slow or stop further damage to preserve the vision you still have. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, your eye doctor may recommend:

  • Prescription eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
  • Oral medications to improve fluid drainage or decrease fluid production in the eye
  • Adjusting lifestyle habits, such as exercising safely and managing health conditions
  • Using magnification devices and brighter lighting to make everyday tasks easier

WHAT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT YOUR GLAUCOMA

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, keep your eye doctor informed about any changes in your vision or side effects from medications. Report if you have trouble sticking to your prescribed treatment routine, as untreated glaucoma can quickly worsen.

TREATMENT FOR GLAUCOMA

Treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT OPTIONS

  • Prescription eye drops: The most common first-line treatment to reduce eye pressure.
  • Oral medications: Sometimes prescribed if eye drops are not enough.
  • Laser therapy: A procedure to improve fluid drainage from the eye.
  • Surgery: In more advanced cases, surgery may be required to create a new drainage channel for fluid or implant a drainage device.

The very best thing you can do to protect your vision from glaucoma is to have regular eye exams with your eye doctor. Because glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, early detection and treatment are the key to preserving sight. For more information about glaucoma treatment or to schedule an appointment, please contact Kirman Eye today.