What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve over time, typically caused by a buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye. If left undetected or untreated, glaucoma can lead to irreversible blindness, though early intervention can help preserve sight. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world, and can progress without any early symptoms, which has earned it the name “The Silent Thief of Sight.”
Types of Glaucoma
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form. The eye’s drainage canals become slowly clogged over time, causing a gradual, painless increase in eye pressure.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve occurs even when eye pressure remains within normal ranges.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A more urgent, less common form where the iris abruptly blocks the eye’s drainage angle. It can cause a sudden, severe medical emergency.
Risk Factors
- Age 60 and older
- Black individuals over age 40 and Hispanic/Latino individuals
- Family history of glaucoma
- Medical conditions like diabetes, severe nearsightedness, or high blood pressure
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring
Because the most common forms of glaucoma are painless and symptomless, the only way to catch it early is through a comprehensive eye exam and routine Glaucoma testing. Routine Glaucoma testing is essential for early detection, which will allow for early intervention to preserve your sight. While vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, early intervention can successfully halt further damage.
Treatment for Glaucoma is specifically tailored around the patient and how they are responding to treatment. Typically the first line of treatment is medication eye drops taken every day. These drops work by lowering the fluid pressure in the eye, and therefore reducing the likelihood of damaging the optic nerve. This prevents Glaucoma from developing or progressing. In advanced cases, a referral to a Glaucoma Specialist may be indicated for specialized treatment.