Glaucoma
More than 2.2 million Americans age forty and older
have glaucoma, but one half may be unaware they have this potentially
blinding disease because they have no symptoms.
Glaucoma is a condition in
which the optic nerve is damaged. It can be associated with elevated
pressure inside the eye and can lead to vision loss.
The exact cause of
primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, is
uncertain. However, some of the other forms of glaucoma may occur along
with other abnormalities of the eye.
There are usually no
symptoms at first, but as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma
may notice his or her vision gradually failing with:
- Blurred vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Difficulty focusing on objects
- Presence of halos around lights
Although anyone can
develop glaucoma, those who are at higher risk and should have an eye exam
at least every one to two years include:
- African Americans
over age 40
- Individuals over age 50
- People with a family history of glaucoma
- Individuals that have experienced a serious eye injury
- People with other health conditions, such as diabetes (exam every
year)
Although glaucoma cannot
be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision. An
Eye M.D. can help control glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure with
eye drops, laser treatments or surgery. However, vision loss due to
glaucoma cannot be restored and if left untreated, glaucoma can lead to
blindness.