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Glaucoma |  | | By Mark A. Nekola MD |
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S.. Many people know that glaucoma has something to do with the pressure inside the eye. In fact, glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve and elevated pressure within the eye is only one of several findings. Damage to the optic nerve from high pressure or other causes results in blind spots. Over time the blind spots accumulate and can result in total blindness. Unfortunately, symptoms of decreased peripheral vision and blind spots appear only after much damage has already occurred. Early detection and treatment by your Ophthalmologist are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.
The two most common types of glaucoma are; chronic open angle glaucoma and angle closure glaucoma. The "angle" refers to the site inside the eye where the fluid is removed. If the fluid is not removed from the eye the pressure will build up.
Chronic opend angle glaucoma can damage the vision so gradually and painlessly that a person is unaware of trouble until the optic nerve is already badly damaged. Risk factors for developing chronic open angle glaucoma include: family history of glaucoma, advancing age, African ancestry, near-sightedness, diabetes or hypertension, and past injuries to the eyes.
As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, laser and surgical operations are used to prevent or retard further damage. Glaucoma may worsen without a person being aware of it so treantment may need to be changed over time.
Unlike open angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma can develop rapidly with symptoms of blurred vision, severe eye pain, and nausea. Angle closure glaucoma requires emergent medical and laser treatment to prevent blindness.
Regular eye exams from an Ophthalmologist are the best way to detect both open angle glaucoma and a predisposition for angle closure glaucoma. Although glaucoma is a potentially blinding disease, modern medical and surgical treatment options allow for the vast majority of patients to suffer no further vision loss. |
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