Glaucoma

What is it?
Optic nerve damage, which causes loss of peripheral vision initially, and can lead to tunnel vision and then blindness.

When does it strike?

In most types of glaucoma, the nerve damage occurs slowly over a period of years and creates blind spots in peripheral vision. As the disease progresses, these blind spots enlarge and grow together. It is common for a person not to notice they are afflicted until the later stages of the disease when the central vision becomes affected. At this point severe and irreversible vision loss has occurred. 

 

In a less common form of glaucoma, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, patients may experience sudden onset of a red, painful eye with blurred, steamy vision and seeing haloes or rainbows around lights. This is a Medical Emergency and requires immediate urgent treatment to lower the eye pressure and prevent blindness.

 

Risk Factors 

 

  • Age (more common after age 50)
  • High Hyperopia (very farsighted)
  • Diabetes
  • Family history
  • Trauma to the eye
  • Infections and inflammation 
  • Some medication
  • Increased pressure in the eye

 

Treatment and Management

Most cases of glaucoma, if detected early, can be successfully controlled, provided the patient is compliant with using their medication and returning for regular monitoring and follow-up care.

 

Prevention and Detection

Visit your optometrist on an annual basis for a complete eye health assessment. Early detection and treatment can improve long-term outcomes.