Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over forty -- yet almost all blindness due to this insidious condition is preventable. Glaucoma is not an
infection, nor is it contagious. It is a condition in which pressure created by the fluid in one or both eyes builds to an abnormally high level. Ultimately, this pressure
causes damage to the delicate visual structures of the eye and, left untreated, blindness often results. When does glaucoma occur?
Glaucoma develops when the aqueous
humor (normal fluid contained in the front part of the eye) does not drain properly, causing pressure in the eye to rise. Nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve are
compressed and can be damaged or destroyed. As a result, visual messages are not adequately transmitted to the brain, causing impaired vision and, ultimately, blindness.
Types of Glaucoma
The most common type of glaucoma, chronic glaucoma, is virtually painless. In fact, most people with chronic glaucoma are not even aware that they are being
robbed of their sight since the visual loss is so gradual. In most cases, there are no warning signs before vision is lost. "Tunnel vision" -- seeing only a small area
in the center of vision -- develops and gradually narrows. By the time vision problems develop, irreversible damage may already have occurred. A less common form of glaucoma, acute
glaucoma, is marked by sudden, severe pain in and around the eye. Vision is sharply decreased, and, in many cases, nausea and vomiting is experienced. Emergency treatment
(usually laser or traditional surgery) is required to alleviate the pressure and prevent further damage. In addition to these two forms of the condition, glaucoma can also occur as
a result of inflammation of, or injury to the eye. In rare instances, infants are born with the condition. Early detection
Glaucoma can silently steal your vision without
warning. Fortunately, there is something you can do to protect your eyesight. Especially if you are over forty, it is critical to have regular eye examinations. Because chronic
glaucoma seldom causes symptoms, early detection and treatment are the only ways to prevent permanent loss of vision. During your eye examination, inform your physician if
other members of your family have glaucoma. This is extremely important because the condition tends to be hereditary. Also inform your doctor of any medications you are
currently taking. After completing the routine exam, specific tests will be conducted to confirm the presence of glaucoma. These tests can identify glaucoma long before the
onset of symptoms by measuring the pressure in the eye, checking the side (peripheral) and central vision, and examining the interior structures of the eye. Treating Glaucoma
If chronic glaucoma is diagnosed, the condition will be closely monitored during regular examinations. The treatment of choice for this form of glaucoma includes eyedrops
and oral medication which, if regularly used, are often all that is necessary to control the damaging pressure. In cases where these medications cannot successfully control the
pressure, surgery (either laser or traditional) is required. Acute glaucoma initially affects only one eye, and is usually accompanied by painful symptoms, as mentioned above.
Immediate medication is administered to temporarily relieve the pressure, followed by appropriate surgery. An attack of acute glaucoma occurring in the other eye is common and
can be successfully prevented with laser treatment. If you have glaucoma, remember to
- Inform your other health professionals of medication you are taking for glaucoma.
- Keep an emergency identification card in your wallet stating that you are being treated for glaucoma.
- Take extra medication with you when you are away from home.
- Inform your ophthalmologist of any side effects from your medication.
- Encourage adult members of your family to have regular eye checkups.
Guard your sight
You can protect yourself from glaucoma. With regular eye examinations and painless eye pressure checks, glaucoma can be detected early and
treatment administered to save your eyesight. Take these simple steps to foil the silent thief of sight! |
