Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S., is an eye disease that affects the optic nerve. The optic nerve is a fundamental part of the eye's visual system. As light comes into the eye, it is focused on the retina (located at the back of the eye) to create an image. The optic nerve then carries this information to the brain, where it is interpreted and "seen." When the optic nerve is damaged, the visual system is prevented from functioning properly. The most common factor that causes glaucoma is an increase in eye pressure, or intraocular pressure. When the liquid in the eye (the aqueous) is unable to drain from the eye fast enough, the pressure inside the eye can become dangerously high. High intraocular pressure can occur either because the eye produces too much of the aqueous fluid or because the drainage canal out of the eye becomes blocked. High eye pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

There are two distinct types of glaucoma, and each has its own symptoms. The most common form is chronic open angle glaucoma, which is often hard to detect in its early stages. Open angle glaucoma patients do not usually report any symptoms until vision loss becomes noticeable. When vision loss from chronic open angle glaucoma occurs, the first effects are usually in the peripheral vision. As the disease progresses, night vision and eventually central vision will suffer. In some cases "glaucoma headaches" can also occur. Without treatment, open angle glaucoma eventually leads to blindness. The second type of glaucoma is less common but poses a more immediate risk of blindness. Acute closed angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage canal is completely blocked. Its symptoms include intense pain, blurry vision, the appearance of halos, and nausea.

Glaucoma can occur in younger people, but it is most likely to develop in people over the age of 35. In addition, people with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to develop the disease. People with extreme nearsightedness also have an increased risk, as do diabetics and people of African descent.

The key to preventing vision loss in glaucoma patients is to lower the eye's pressure. This can be done through a variety of treatment options, including medication and surgery. Although glaucoma cannot be cured and vision loss cannot be reversed, early treatment can halt the disease's progression. In general, medications provide the first line of treatment. Eye drops and pills can work to either expedite fluid drainage from the eye or to slow the eye's production of fluid. Either way, the intended result is lower eye pressure. If medication alone does not provide a sufficient reduction in eye pressure, laser surgery may be considered. The laser can be used to help increase drainage of fluid from the eye. Conventional surgery may be necessary in some cases. In these situations, the doctor manually creates a new pathway from which fluid can leave the eye. Glaucoma treatment is an ongoing process, and patients need to be under the regular care of an ophthalmologist.

Test for glaucoma are a part of most regular eye exams. A special device known as a tonometer is used to check the eye's pressure. The test is quick and painless. Another simple test checks the optic nerve, using an ophthalmoscope. The ophthalmoscope uses light and magnification to make the back of the eye more easily visible to the doctor. A gonioscope, a mirrored lens, can be used to magnify the drainage channels. Visual field tests can check for a loss of peripheral vision.

Because there is no cure for glaucoma, the only way to prevent vision loss is by being diagnosed and treated while the disease is still in its early stages. Because chronic open angle glaucoma initially presents no symptoms, having regular eye examinations is important for finding glaucoma early enough to prevent vision loss. For more information about glaucoma or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!