Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a treatable disease (if discovered early enough) of the eyes that results from the the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rising beyond what is normal. This pressure build up can lead to vision loss or even blindness.  Glaucoma has been nicknamed the "sneak thief of sight" because the loss of visual field often occurs gradually over a long time and may only be recognized when it is already quite advanced. Once lost, this damaged visual field can never be recovered.  Which makes it very important that you have a professional check your eyes once a year.

There is a small space called the anterior chamber at the front of the eye from which clear fluid flows in and out to bathe and nourish nearby tissues.  In glaucoma the fluid drains too slowly out to the eye causing the fluids to build up and create pressure within the eyes.  If the the pressure is controlled, it can damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye and resulting in loss of vision.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. Nearly 3 million people have glaucoma and while anyone can get glaucoma, some people are at higher risk.  They include:

*Anyone over the age of 60

*People with a family history of glaucoma

*Blacks over the age of 40.  It has been established that glaucoma is five times more likely to cause blindness in Blacks than in Whites and fifteen times more likely to cause blindness in Blacks between  the ages of   45-64 than in Whites of the same age group.

In the early stages of glaucoma there are no symptoms. There is no pain.  Your vision remains normal.  As the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually failing.  Basically, while objects in front of the eye may still be seen clearly, but objects to the side may be missed.  As glaucoma progresses further, the field of vision narrows and blindness results.

There are two methods used to detect glaucoma.  The first is Many people may know of the "Air Puff" test or other tests used to measure eye pressure in an eye examination.  But, this test alone cannot detect glaucoma.  Glaucoma is found most often during an eye examination through dilated pupils.  This means drops are put into the eyes during the exam to enlarge the pupils.  This allows the eye care professional to see more of the inside of the eye to check for signs of glaucoma.

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but in most cases it can be controlled.  Treatments include eye drops or pills to either reduce pressure by slowing the flow of fluid into the eye or to improve fluid drainage.  Another option is laser surgery which can help make it easier for fluid to exit the eye.  Surgery can also help fluid escape from the eye but is generally reserved for patients whose condition cannot be controlled by other means.  One thing is important to keep in mind. Medications and even laser surgery can lose effectiveness over time and so it is very important to follow up with your eye care specialist frequently .