Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of disorders characterized by damage of the eye nerve, or optic nerve. The optic nerve carries information about what we see from our eye to our brain.
Are there different types of glaucoma?
There are many different types of glaucoma. The most common types are open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma.
In open angle glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye is open or unobstructed. In angle closure glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye may become
obstructed under certain conditions.
Glaucoma may also occur as a result of other eye problems, including diabetes, blockage of veins of the retina, and inflammation inside the eye.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Initially, in patients with open angle glaucoma, there are no symptoms, making regular follow-up exams in glaucoma patients very important.
As the optic nerve is damaged, blind spots are created in the vision. Usually, these blind spots affect the peripheral vision first. Most people will not notice these blind spots in their vision, and central vision is good. However, if damage occurs over a long time or is uncontrolled, blindness can occur.
An attack of angle closure may cause sudden redness, pain, and blurred vision. Permanent damage to the vision may result.
What are risk factors for glaucoma?
Some types of glaucoma become more common with increasing age. Sometimes glaucoma can run in families. Eye pressure is also a risk factor for glaucoma, though having a low pressure doesn’t mean you don’t have it nor does having a mildly elevated pressure mean you do. If necessary, eye
pressure can be lowered with treatment.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
There is no definitive test for glaucoma. It is diagnosed by assessing numerous things:
- Eye pressure
- Optic nerve head
- Visual field by formal testing
- Computerized imaging of the optic nerve head
Because glaucoma is a chronic progressive disease, most of these exams will be repeated over time to observe for changes.
Some people have one or two features that are concerning for glaucoma, such as high eye pressure or an unusual optic nerve appearance. We call people with these findings “glaucoma suspects,” meaning there is not enough change or evidence to begin treatment for glaucoma but observation is necessary, as
glaucoma could develop in the future.
How is glaucoma treated?
Treatment for glaucoma lowers eye pressure.
Initially, glaucoma is usually treated with topical eye drops. Sometimes lasers or surgeries may be necessary.
Treatment for glaucoma does not restore vision lost to glaucoma but works to lower the eye pressure to help preserve vision.
Are there different types of glaucoma?
There are many different types of glaucoma. The most common types are open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma.
In open angle glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye is open or unobstructed. In angle closure glaucoma, the drainage angle of the eye may become
obstructed under certain conditions.
Glaucoma may also occur as a result of other eye problems, including diabetes, blockage of veins of the retina, and inflammation inside the eye.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Initially, in patients with open angle glaucoma, there are no symptoms, making regular follow-up exams in glaucoma patients very important.
As the optic nerve is damaged, blind spots are created in the vision. Usually, these blind spots affect the peripheral vision first. Most people will not notice these blind spots in their vision, and central vision is good. However, if damage occurs over a long time or is uncontrolled, blindness can occur.
An attack of angle closure may cause sudden redness, pain, and blurred vision. Permanent damage to the vision may result.
What are risk factors for glaucoma?
Some types of glaucoma become more common with increasing age. Sometimes glaucoma can run in families. Eye pressure is also a risk factor for glaucoma, though having a low pressure doesn’t mean you don’t have it nor does having a mildly elevated pressure mean you do. If necessary, eye
pressure can be lowered with treatment.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
There is no definitive test for glaucoma. It is diagnosed by assessing numerous things:
- Eye pressure
- Optic nerve head
- Visual field by formal testing
- Computerized imaging of the optic nerve head
Because glaucoma is a chronic progressive disease, most of these exams will be repeated over time to observe for changes.
Some people have one or two features that are concerning for glaucoma, such as high eye pressure or an unusual optic nerve appearance. We call people with these findings “glaucoma suspects,” meaning there is not enough change or evidence to begin treatment for glaucoma but observation is necessary, as
glaucoma could develop in the future.
How is glaucoma treated?
Treatment for glaucoma lowers eye pressure.
Initially, glaucoma is usually treated with topical eye drops. Sometimes lasers or surgeries may be necessary.
Treatment for glaucoma does not restore vision lost to glaucoma but works to lower the eye pressure to help preserve vision.
