Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can steal sight without warning or symptoms. Over three million Americans have it. Only half know. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over age 40. People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans, and those who are very nearsighted or diabetic are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors include thinner corneas, chronic eye inflammation, and using medications that increase the pressure in the eyes.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, without symptoms. Many people do not become aware they have the condition until significant vision loss has occurred. It initially affects peripheral or side vision, but can advance to central vision loss. A rarer type occurs rapidly and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eyes. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to significant loss of vision in both eyes, and may even lead to blindness.

Detection and Diagnosis

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. That is why the American Optometric Association recommends annual eye examinations for people at risk for glaucoma (depending on your condition we may recommend more frequent examinations).

A comprehensive optometric examination will include a tonometry test to measure the pressure in your eyes; an examination of the inside of your eyes and optic nerves; and a visual field test to check for changes in central and side vision.

Careful analysis of the optic nerve head using the Heidelberg laser tomographer can greatly help in accessing the presence of suspicious optic nerve changes. Combining this with a 3d look at the nerve head, Visual fields and Pachymetry also help in the assessment of glaucoma.

Treatment

The treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medicines to lower the pressure in your eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.