Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged. This
damage is often associated with elevated eye pressure. The damage can lead to a loss
of vision. However, early treatment can prevent blindness.
How does it occur?
A clear, watery fluid called the aqueous humor normally circulates in your
eye. When the flow of this fluid out of the eye becomes blocked, the pressure
increases inside the eye.
There are two main types of glaucoma, depending on how the flow of fluid
is blocked:
Open-angle glaucoma is caused by a gradual blockage in
the area that drains fluid from the eyes into the drainage channels. It is the more
common type of glaucoma. It usually affects both eyes.
Closed-angle glaucoma is a blockage caused by a change
in the position of the iris (the colored part of the eye). The change in position
causes the iris to block the drainage channels. This type of glaucoma usually
happens in one eye at a time. When this type of glaucoma happens suddenly, it is
called acute closed-angle glaucoma and is a medical emergency.
Glaucoma tends to run in families. It occurs most often after age
35, but sometimes children have it. Glaucoma is a common eye problem in people over
age 60. It is more common among black people than white people.
What are the symptoms?
Open-angle and other chronic forms of glaucoma often have
no symptoms in the early stages. In later stages, you will begin to notice a loss of
vision. Side vision is usually affected first.
Symptoms of acute closed-angle glaucoma include:
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will screen you for vision problems during your routine
checkups. If you have vision problems, your doctor will refer you to an eye
specialist.
The following tests are used to diagnose glaucoma:
Tonometry, a painless procedure used to measure the
pressure in your eyes
Ophthalmoscopy, in which the doctor uses an instrument
to look at the optic nerve inside your eye
Visual field testing, which can show early changes in
your side vision caused by damage to the optic nerve
Gonioscopy, which is a method of examining the drainage
channels.
How is it treated?
The goal in the treatment of glaucoma is to reduce the pressure in your
eyes. This may be done with eyedrops, oral medication. laser surgery, or other types
of surgery. Some eyedrops reduce the amount of fluid made by your eye. Others
increase the amount of fluid that flows out. Surgery relieves pressure inside the
eye by opening up the drainage channel or by making another opening through which the
fluid can drain.
Make sure your doctor tells you about the possible side effects of any
medication you are taking. If you have concerns, call your doctor or your
pharmacist.
How long will the effects last?
Loss of vision caused by glaucoma is permanent. This is why glaucoma
needs to be diagnosed and treated early to stop further damage to the optic nerve.
If your doctor prescribes medication to control the pressure, you may need
to take it for the rest of your life.
How can I take care of myself?
Take your medication as prescribed.
Carefully follow your doctor's recommendations for follow-up visits and
pressure measurements.
Call your doctor if you have any side effects from your medication.
Can I help prevent glaucoma?
Glaucoma cannot be prevented. However, blindness can be prevented if
glaucoma is treated before pressure in the eye has damaged the optic nerve too much.
You may be able to help prevent glaucoma from becoming severe if you:
Have a yearly eye exam.
At your eye exam, make sure the pressure in your eyes is measured and
that your optic nerve is examined.
Learn about your family history. Chronic open-angle glaucoma often
runs in families.
See your doctor at once if you see halos around lights or notice any
changes in your vision.
