Glaucoma
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 become clogged or blocked. The reasons that the passages become
blocked are not known.
Noticeable symptoms of glaucoma may be a gradual loss of side vision (above) or blurred vision (below).
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Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.
It most often occurs in people over age 40, but can occur at any age. People with a family
history of glaucoma, African Americans, and those who are very
nearsighted or diabetic are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly,
without symptoms. 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, but proper treatment can significantly reduce the likelihood of further vision loss. 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 inside your eyes; an examination of the retina (the nerve layer inside your
eyes) to evaluate the condition of the optic nerve for damage; and a visual field test to check for changes in
central and side vision which can be a sign of glaucoma. The treatment for glaucoma often includes prescription eye drops and
medicines to lower the pressure in your eyes. Since glaucoma is a disease which is usually painless and chronic, patients with glaucoma must keep taking their drops until their doctor tells them to stop, or risk losing their sight. Your optometrist can test for and diagnose glaucoma, and in Connecticut, most optometrists are licensed to prescribe medicines to treat glaucoma. In some cases, your optometrist may refer you to a specialist for laser
treatment or surgery, if medicines do not adequately control your eye pressure.
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