Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the leading cause
of blindness in America today. It is a progressive disease in which the pressure
in the eye essentially presses on the optic nerve causing permanent loss of
vision if left untreated.
Risk Factors that Increase the Chance of Glaucoma
- Age 45 and over, who have not had regular eye exams
- Family history of glaucoma
- African American or Asian descent
- Diabetes
- Myopia - nearsightedness
- Hyperopia - farsightedness
- Long-term steroid use
- Previous eye injury
- High Blood Pressure
Three Types of Glaucoma:
1.
Open Angle Glaucoma
Open angle glaucoma occurs when fluid is created behind the pupil in the posterior chamber and drains out through the "Angle" where the iris meets the pupil. When the fluid has trouble draining through this angle, the pressure slowly rises causing optic nerve damage.
This type of glaucoma affects all races but it is higher among African-Americans. The chances of getting glaucoma also increases as people get older.
2. Narrow Angle Glaucoma
Narrow angle glaucoma occurs when the space between the iris and cornea narrows and intra-ocular fluid has trouble draining from the eye. Once again, the eye pressure rises causing damage to the optic nerve. Patients who are older, far-sighted (Hyperopic) or Asian descent are at a high risk for developing this type of glaucoma.
Narrow Angle glaucoma is treated with quick and painless in-office laser procedure. The laser procedure can often completely cure this type of glaucoma. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma may develop without the laser treatment.
3.
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
Acute Angle Closure
Glaucoma occurs when there is a sudden blockage of the angle, which causes an
acute elevation of intra-ocular pressure. The eye will become very painful and
red. The vision will become hazy and may see halos around light. Nausea and vomiting
is often present. Damage to the optic nerve occurs quickly and should be treated
as an emergency.
Recommedation
Under Age 45:
- Patients with no risk factors - Eye exam in every 4 years
- Patients with risk factors - Eye exam in every 2 years
Over Age 45:
- Patients with no risk factors - Eye exam in every 2 years
- Patients with risk factors - Eye exam in every year
Prevention
This disease has been called the "Silent thief of sight" because there are no obvious signs or symptoms until significant visual loss has occurred. Only way to know if you have glaucoma is to have a thorough eye exam and pressure check.