Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a grouping of eye conditions that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve. This damage is often related to increased pressure in the eyes and can lead to eventual blindness.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an impairment or loss of vision resulting from damage to the optic nerve. When abnormally high amounts of fluid are present within the eye, this puts stress and excessive pressure on the optic nerve—and results in vision changes.
Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness in one or both eyes.
Causes
Scientists are still investigating the underlying causes of glaucoma. Increased fluid pressure in the eye is often related to a blockage or flaw in the eye’s drainage system. It’s not necessarily clear how or why this happens, and it is possible to encounter the symptoms of glaucoma with no significant increase in fluid pressure.
Symptoms
Chronic glaucoma symptoms slowly progress from the edges of the vision field to the center line of sight. These subtle changes are often overlooked.
You may gradually notice a slight blurring in your vision. You may be unable to track or view items in your side or peripheral view (the “corner of your eye”). You may lose track of an item as it comes closer to the center of your face—the area of your nose, between your eyes.
As the disease progresses, the width of your vision field will continue to narrow.
Diagnosis
Glaucoma is diagnosed via a visual field test and a comprehensive dilated eye exam. An optometrist uses eye drops to widen the pupil. They magnify and visualize the eye's interior structure and look for problems.
Eyes have an individual and specific pressure tolerance and structure. Maintaining a yearly visit with an optometrist allows recording and monitoring of your eyes to detect early changes.
Treatment Options
There is no cure for Glaucoma. Glaucoma treatment is focused on preventing further damage and loss of eyesight. Damage to the optic nerve by glaucoma cannot be reversed.
Treatment for internal eye pressure often includes prescription eye drops, oral medication, laser options or invasive eye surgery. Carefully follow your prescribed treatments and work closely with your optometrist in regular follow-up visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Types of Glaucoma?
What Causes Glaucoma?
How Common Is Glaucoma?
Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?
Can Glaucoma Be Treated?
Can You Prevent Glaucoma?
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