Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that damages the optic nerve of the eye and can lead to vision loss and blindness. Early detection and treatment is recommended to prevent serious visual loss.
The risk factors for glaucoma include:
Elevated Intraocular Pressure
Optic disc abnormalities
Family history of glaucoma
African Americans have a higher incidence of glaucoma at an earlier age
Thin Corneas
Trauma to the eye
Age over 60
Family history of glaucoma
Glaucoma Symptoms:
Open angle glaucoma in its early stages has no symptoms. Without treatment patients can get constriction of their peripheral vision. Angle closure glaucoma is usually accompanied by pain and blurry vision.
How is glaucoma detected?
Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
Visual Acuity test
Visual Field Testing
Tonometry
Dilated eye exam
Pachymetry
Glaucoma Treatments:
Glaucoma treatments include medications, laser trabeculoplasty, surgery or a combination of all three. These treatments may help to stabilize vision but do not restore the vision that has been lost.
Glaucoma cannot be cured and the vision loss from the disease cannot be restored. Early detection is paramount.