Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. The optic nerve is a bundle of about one million nerve fibers that transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain. In the most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, the fluid pressure inside the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, this can lead to blindness. Not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and some people with normal eye pressure can also develop the disease.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that lead to progressive damage to the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. The optic nerve is a bundle of about one million nerve fibers that transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain. In the most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, the fluid pressure inside the eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve. If untreated, this can lead to blindness. Not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, and some people with normal eye pressure can also develop the disease.

Types of Glaucoma

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

This is the most common form of glaucoma, developing slowly and usually without symptoms. It often goes unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs, initially affecting peripheral vision and potentially advancing to central vision loss.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

This less common type occurs abruptly due to a rapid increase in eye pressure. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea, eye redness, halos around lights, and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

Secondary Glaucoma

Caused by injury, other eye diseases, or certain medications, secondary glaucoma results from increased eye pressure due to these conditions.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

This type occurs even when eye pressure is within the normal range. It may be due to an abnormally sensitive optic nerve or reduced blood supply to the optic nerve.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Initially, glaucoma may not present any symptoms. As it progresses, you may notice a loss of peripheral vision, especially the part closest to your nose. Over time, without treatment, it can lead to significant vision loss or blindness.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma:

• Age: People over 60, particularly Hispanics/Latinos; African Americans are at risk after age 40.

• Race: African Americans, Asians, and Native Alaskans have higher risks.

• Family History: A family history of glaucoma increases risk.

• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may increase risk.

• Eye Conditions: Thinner corneas, severe eye trauma, retinal detachment, eye tumors, and inflammations.

• Prolonged Corticosteroid Use: Long-term use can increase risk.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

A comprehensive eye exam is necessary for diagnosing glaucoma. This includes:

• Patient history

• Visual acuity measurements

• Tonometry (measuring eye pressure)

• Pachymetry (measuring corneal thickness)

• Visual field testing (checking peripheral vision)

• Evaluation of the retina, possibly including photographs or scans

• Supplemental tests like gonioscopy and serial tonometry

Treatment for Glaucoma

Treatment aims to reduce eye pressure and prevent further vision loss. Options include:

Medications: Prescription eye drops are the most common treatment, helping to lower eye pressure.

Laser Surgery: Procedures like laser trabeculoplasty help fluid drain from the eye more efficiently.

Conventional Surgery: For more severe cases, a procedure called trabeculectomy creates a drainage flap to reduce pressure.

Drainage Implants: A small silicone tube can be inserted to help drain fluid, often used in severe or secondary glaucoma cases.

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is an emergency treated with medication to quickly reduce pressure, followed by a laser procedure to create a small hole in the iris for fluid drainage.

Managing Glaucoma

• Take prescribed medications daily.

• Inform your doctor of any side effects.

• Schedule regular check-ups.

• Consider vision rehabilitation services if needed.

• Encourage family members to get checked for glaucoma.

Prevention

There is no cure for glaucoma, and treatment must continue for life. Regular eye exams and compliance with treatment are crucial to prevent progression and preserve vision. Early detection, prompt treatment, and regular monitoring are essential in controlling glaucoma and reducing the risk of vision loss.

If you have concerns or are at risk, contact us today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.