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|  | Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease in which normal fluid pressure increases within the eye. This leads to optic nerve (the structure that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain) damage which causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision (side vision). This vision loss, when left untreated, can result in blindness. An estimated three million Americans suffer from glaucoma, but half of these people don't know they have the disease.
The millions of adults at high risk for the sight-threatening eye disorder can save their vision by having regular eye exams. Those individuals at higher risk for glaucoma are African Americans over the age of 40 and everyone over the age of 60. People who have diabetes, have a family history of glaucoma, have had eye surgery or an eye injury earlier in life, or are very nearsighted also are at increased risk.
If glaucoma is detected early enough, it can be controlled before serious vision loss occurs. That's why it's essential to see your eye care professional on a regular basis and to follow the schedule of repeat visits that the eye doctor recommends.
While later-stage symptoms of glaucoma may include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, seeing haloes around lights, eye pain, and redness around the eyes, glaucoma rarely shows symptoms at all. And because it often has no symptoms in its early stages (including no noticeable vision loss or pain), people may not realize that they have the disease until vision loss has occurred. Once these symptoms appear, a great deal of vision loss has taken place and cannot be restored. That's why regular glaucoma testing is so important as a preventive measure.
Glaucoma tests can be conducted during a regular eye examination. Through a simple, painless test in which drops are placed in the eye to dilate the pupils, the eye care professional will examine the eye's interior to look for signs of optic nerve damage. In addition to pupil dilation, glaucoma testing should include a test that measures pressure within the eye, called tonometry. For some patients, a visual field test to determine peripheral vision may be recommended.
When detected and treated, glaucoma's effects often can be halted or slowed. For people diagnosed with glaucoma, medication in the form of eye drops or tablets may be prescribed, or in some cases, laser or regular surgery may be recommended.
Certain medications to treat glaucoma reduce pressure inside the eye by slowing the flow of fluid into the eye. Others help improve fluid drainage out of the eye. Laser surgery, using a strong beam of light, also helps to ease the flow of fluid. Regular surgery is generally reserved for patients who do not respond well to eye drops, medication, or laser surgery.
Sources: Better Vision Institute and Prevent Blindness America
This information is in no way a substitute for a personal examination by an eyecare professional. To find a certified Carl ZEISS Vision practice near you, use our
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