Glaucoma isn’t just one eye disease—it’s a group of them that can harm the optic nerve by increasing pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Catching glaucoma early can often keep it under control, preventing serious vision loss and blindness. Unfortunately, noticeable vision problems often don’t show up until the disease is well advanced, which is why it’s nicknamed “the sneak thief of sight.” Once vision is lost due to glaucoma, it’s typically irreversible.
The key to prevention lies in early detection and treatment. Because early-stage glaucoma often has no symptoms, regular eye exams that include glaucoma screening are crucial, especially for those at risk. While glaucoma can affect anyone, certain factors increase your risk, such as:
- Aged over 60
- Hispanic or Latino descent, Asian descent
- African Americans over the age of 40 (glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Severe nearsightedness
- Certain medications (e.g. steroids)
- Serious eye injury (even if it occurred in childhood)
Symptoms
Typically, glaucoma starts without any noticeable symptoms. In the early stages of the most common type, open-angle glaucoma, vision stays normal and there’s no pain or discomfort.
On the other hand, angle-closure glaucoma, a more acute type, can cause sudden symptoms like foggy or blurred vision, halos around lights, eye pain, headache, and even nausea. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention since intraocular pressure can become extremely high and cause permanent damage within hours. Angle-closure glaucoma requires medical intervention and won’t resolve on its own.
The intraocular pressure from glaucoma can gradually damage the optic nerve, leading to a slow loss of vision. It starts with peripheral (side) vision, causing tunnel vision. Over time, if untreated, it can affect central vision, eventually leading to total blindness. Sadly, any vision lost due to optic nerve damage cannot be restored.
Treatment
Treating glaucoma depends on the type and how severe it is. It can involve using eye drops or pills, or sometimes laser treatment or traditional surgery.
Medication
Medication and eye drops to lower eye pressure are usually the first step in treating pressure-related glaucoma. While these drops might cause some uncomfortable side effects, sticking to the treatment plan is crucial for preserving vision and stopping the disease from getting worse.
Surgery
Surgical procedures aim to manage the flow of fluids in the eye, either by reducing the amount produced or improving drainage. By doing so, surgery helps control eye pressure. In many cases, your doctor might find that combining surgery with medication is the most effective approach.
Prevention
The most effective treatment for glaucoma occurs when the disease is detected and treated early, before significant vision loss happens. Any vision that is lost cannot be restored. That’s why the best prevention is being aware of your risks and taking responsibility by having regular eye exams.
Glaucoma can be discovered during Comprehensive Eye Exam which you can book online. If you’ve already had your routine eye exam in the last 12 months please call our office to schedule your medical visit.
