Did you know that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults? Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve, a structure that transfers visual information from the retina (the light sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye) to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can affect vision and eventually cause vision loss. |
Understanding Glaucoma
Aqueous humor fluid moves in and out of the eye through a structure called the drainage angle and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Think of the structure like a drainage canal.
The correct balance of fluid in the eye is needed to maintain proper eye pressure. When the balance of fluid is disrupted, as it is in glaucoma, it can lead to an increase in eye pressure. The balance of fluid may be altered if there is too much fluid production or there is a problem with the fluid draining properly. When the fluid builds up, it increases pressure in the eye, which compresses the optic nerve, causing damage and eventually vision changes.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Unfortunately, symptoms of glaucoma do not develop until there is already damage to the optic nerve. Although you cannot detect glaucoma yourself, there is good news though. Your ophthalmologist can diagnose the condition through a comprehensive eye exam, before it leads to damage to the optic nerve.
When symptoms do appear, they may include the following:
- Blind spots peripheral (side) vision
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Pain in the eyes
- Seeing halos
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor immediately. You should have a complete eye exam as soon as possible to determine the cause.
Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma
Factors that increase your risk of glaucoma include:
- African American ancestry: According to the National Eye Institute, people who are African American have a higher chance of developing glaucoma. African Americans are also at a higher risk of developing the condition at a younger age than other races.
- Being past the age of 60: Adults past the age of 60, especially those of Hispanic descent, are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma.
- Having a family history of glaucoma: According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, having family members, such as a parent, who have a history of glaucoma also increases your risk of developing the condition.
- Past eye injury: An injury to the eye, such as blunt trauma, can change the fluid drainage system and increase the pressure in the eye, increasing the chances of glaucoma.
- Steroid use: Long-term steroid use may lead to increased eye pressure and raise your risk of developing glaucoma.
- Having certain health problems: People who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, have an increased risk of glaucoma.
What You Can Do to Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma
It’s also important to be aware of your risk factors. The frequency of your eye exam and screening for glaucoma may vary based on your risk of developing the disease. The Glaucoma Research Foundation recommends a comprehensive eye exam to screen for glaucoma every year after age 35 for people who have risk factors for developing glaucoma. If you do not have risk factors, the following schedule is recommended:
- Every two to four years for people age 35 to 40
- Every one to three years for people age 40 to 54
- Every one to two years for people age 55 to 64
- Every six to 12 months after the age of 65
To learn more about glaucoma, please stay tuned for our upcoming glaucoma blog posts and visit the following pages on our website:
If you would like to schedule an eye exam with one of our ophthalmologists who specializes in glaucoma or have any questions about your risk factors for glaucoma, please call our office at 508-746-8600.