Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. Chronic open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States. Typically, open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages, and vision remains normal.

Closed-angle glaucoma is less common and harder to detect. Unless this type of glaucoma is treated quickly, blindness can result. Unfortunately, two-thirds of those with closed-angle glaucoma develop it slowly without any symptoms warning an acute attack might be coming.

Signs to Look For

Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma may include:

• Blurry vision;
• Severe eye pain;
• Headache;
• Rainbow-colored halos around lights;
• Nausea and vomiting.

This is a true eye emergency. If you have any of these symptoms, call your Eye M.D. immediately.

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma typically develop late in the progression of the disease. The most common symptom is blank spots in your vision. You typically won't notice these blank spots in your day-to-day activities until the optic nerve is significantly damaged and these spots become large. If all the optic nerve fibers die, blindness results.

Risk Factors

The most important risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Age (60 years and older);
• Elevated eye pressure;
• Family history of glaucoma;
• African or Spanish ancestry;
• Farsightedness or nearsightedness;
• Past eye injuries;
• Steroid use;
• Other health problems like diabetes or migraine headaches.

Preventative Measures

Regular eye examinations by your Eye M.D. are the best way to detect glaucoma early and avoid blindness. Recommended intervals for eye exams are:

• Ages 20 to 29: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every 3 to 5 years. Others should have an eye exam at least once during this period.
• Ages 30 to 39: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every 2 to 4 years. Others should have an eye exam at least twice during this period.
• Ages 40 to 64: Every 2 to 4 years.
• Ages 65 or older: Every 1 to 2 years.

Treatment

Treatment can prevent vision loss, but as a rule damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible. Treatments that can help prevent further damage include:

• Eyedrops;
• Laser surgery;
• Conventional surgery;
• Oral medications may also be prescribed in some cases.

Glaucoma is usually controlled with daily eyedrops. These medications lower eye pressure, either by decreasing the amount of fluid produced within the eye or by improving the flow through the drainage angle.

While these medications can preserve your vision, they may also have side effects. You should tell your ophthalmologist if you think you might be experiencing side effects.

Some eyedrops may cause:

• Stinging or itching;
• Red eyes or redness of the skin around the eyes;
• Changes in pulse and heartbeat;
• Changes in energy level;
• Changes in breathing (especially with asthma or emphysema);
• Dry mouth;
• Changes in sense of taste;
• Headaches;
• Blurred vision;
• Change in eye color.

All medications can have side effects or can interact with other medications. Therefore, it is important that you make a list of the medications you take regularly and share this list with each doctor you see.