Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially among older people.  It is estimated to affect one of every fifty adults.  Although it can occur at any age, the risk of developing the disease increases dramatically after age 35.  Glaucoma is also more likely to develop in persons who are severely nearsighted, who have a family history of the disease, who are diabetic, or who are African American.  Other risk factors include past injury to the eyes and a history of severe anemia or shock.  The symptoms of early glaucoma are slight; it often goes unnoticed until some vision loss has occurred.  But with early diagnosis and treament, visual damage can be prevented.  

Glaucoma is a series of diseases that damage the optic nerve, which carries images to the brain.  Damage to the optic nerve causes blind spots in the field of vision, and if the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results.  Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase in the fluid pressure in the eye.  The front part of the eye contains a clear, nourishing fluid called the aqueous, which constantly circulates through the eye.  Normally, this fluid leaves the eye through a drainage system and returns to the blood stream.

Glaucoma occurs from an over-production of fluid or when the drainage system becomes blocked,  causing fluid pressure to increase.  The high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss.  The exact reason why the fluid system in the eye stops functioning properly is not yet known.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma rarely produces symptoms before it affects vision.  Routine eye exams are therefore critical.  Early detection is the key to preventing vision loss or blindness from glaucoma.

The first noticeable sign of glaucoma is a decrease in peripheral vision.  Later in the course of the disease, central vision becomes affected, and patients may experience mild headaches and difficulty with night vision.  If left untreated, total blindness will result.

Types of Glaucoma

Chronic open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma.  It can be attributed to the aging process and results from poor drainage of the aqueous in the eye.  Over 90% of adult glaucoma patients have this type of glaucoma.

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage system is completely blocked.  This type of glaucoma progresses quickly; the symptoms include blurred vision, severe pain in the eye, headache, rainbows or halos around lights, and nausea and vomiting.  Angle-closure glaucoma is an emergency.  If it is not treated immediately, blindness may result.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops that are taken several times a day.  Laser surgery may be performed if eye drops fail to control the pressure.  For more information on the treatment of glaucoma at the Thomas Eye Group, please click on the link below.

Glaucoma Treatment

If you would like to be tested for glaucoma and other disorders, please call us for an appointment, or use our online appointment request form.

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