GLAUCOMA

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that have certain common features including intraocular pressure that is too high for the health of the eye, damage to the optic nerve, and visual field loss. This is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. It is a disease that typically affects older people, but it can occur at any age.

WHAT CAUSES THE PRESSURE TO BECOME ELEVATED?
The reason that eye pressure is high in many glaucoma patients is that the drainage system in the eye is not working properly. The fluid in the eye, called aqueous humor, does not flow out of the eye as quickly as it should. The drainage system lies in a part of the eye called the angle, which is between the outer layer and the iris (colored part) of the eye. This angle can be open or closed.

WHAT TYPES OF GLAUCOMA EXIST?

CHRONIC OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA The drainage system (angle) is open, but the fluid does not drain as quickly as it should resulting in a gradual increase in eye pressure.

CLOSED ANGLE GLAUCOMA-The drainage system (angle) is closed, and the fluid cannot escape. During closed-angle glaucoma, the eye pressure can get very high in a short time and there is pain. Angle closure glaucoma is an emergency and must be treated immediately. If the high pressure is allowed to continue for too long, blindness can result.

LOW PRESSURE GLAUCOMA The drainage system (angle) is open and fluid drains out at a normal rate resulting in a normal eye pressure.

ARE THERE ANY SYMPTOMS?
In most cases, the disease is not noticed in the early stages because there is no pain and no noticeable change in vision. Early detection by an eye doctor is the key to prevention of vision loss from glaucoma.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR GETTING GLAUCOMA?
Glaucoma can occur in people of all ages from children to older adults, but is more likely to develop in people who are over 60 years of age, very nearsighted, or diabetic. Glaucoma also occurs more frequently in African Americans age 40 and over. The tendency to develop glaucoma may be inherited, since relatives of people with glaucoma are more likely to develop glaucoma themselves.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BE EXAMINED FOR GLAUCOMA?
Your eye care provider will provide a glaucoma check as part of a regular eye examination. Everyone should have an eye examination every year.

IS THERE A CURE?
Generally speaking, glaucoma cannot be cured, but can be controlled. Once diagnosed, it requires constant, lifelong care. Continual observation and treatment can reduce the damage to the optic nerve and prevent vision loss. Eye drops, oral medications, laser surgery, and microsurgery are quite successful in preventing vision loss over long periods of time.

HOW IS GLAUCOMA TREATED?
Glaucoma is most commonly treated with eye drops or laser that lower the eye pressure. By lowering the pressure, damage to the optic nerve can be slowed or stopped. . If the pressure does not fall to a low enough level, then surgery maybe necessary. Glaucoma surgery opens up the drainage system in the angle so that the eye fluid can flow more freely.