Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure
in your eyes increases enough to damage the nerve fibers
in your optic nerve and cause vision loss. The increase
in pressure happens when the passages that normally allow
fluid in your eyes to drain becomes clogged or blocked.
The reasons that the passages become blocked are not completely
known.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of
blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over
age 40, however it can occur at any age even in infancy.
People with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans,
and those who are very nearsighted or diabetic are at a
higher risk of developing the disease.
The most common type of glaucoma develops
gradually and painlessly, without symptoms. This type is
known as Open Angle Glaucoma.
A rarer type occurs rapidly and its symptoms
may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing
colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eyes.
Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed
and treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost to
glaucoma cannot be restored. That is why the American Optometric
Association recommends annual eye examinations for people
at risk for glaucoma (your doctor may, depending on your
condition, recommend more frequent examinations). A comprehensive
optometric examination will include a tonometry test to
measure the pressure in your eyes; a dilated examination
of the inside of your eyes and optic nerves; and sometimes
a visual field test to check for changes in central and
side vision.
The treatment for glaucoma includes prescription
eye drops and medicines to lower the pressure in your eyes.
In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective
in reducing pressure.
