Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a collective term describing a group of disorders that damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. Once the disease develops, there is a significant risk of vision loss; however, when detected early, glaucoma can be treated. Unfortunately, even about 10% of properly treated patients still lose their sight. Glaucoma often has no obvious signs or symptoms and is only detected once vision begins to deteriorate. The best prevention is regular eye examinations for glaucoma.

Causes of glaucoma

In most cases, optic nerve damage in glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure, which may result from various factors depending on the type of glaucoma. However, in normal-tension glaucoma, the cause of optic nerve damage is not always known.

Risk factors for glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Because signs and symptoms are often minimal, it is referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” Regular eye examinations are recommended, especially if one or more risk factors are present.

These risk factors vary depending on the type of glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma, also known as primary open-angle glaucoma to distinguish it from secondary forms, is the most common type of glaucoma. Risk factors include:

• race: five times more common among African Americans than Caucasians and often develops earlier;
• age: the risk is six times higher in people over 60 years old;
• family history: the risk increases 4–9 times if close relatives have glaucoma;
• medications: steroid use increases the risk of open-angle glaucoma by up to 40%;
• medical conditions: high blood pressure increases the risk of open-angle glaucoma.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma, also called acute or narrow-angle glaucoma, develops rapidly and can result in sudden blindness. Risk factors include:

• refractive error: farsighted individuals have a higher risk;
• age: the risk increases with age;
• race: people of Asian descent and Inuit ancestry are at higher risk;
• gender: among Caucasians, women are affected more often.

Secondary glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma develops as a result of another condition and may be either open-angle or angle-closure. Common causes include:

• eye injury: trauma caused by blunt or sharp objects;
• diseases: diabetes and cataracts increase the risk of certain secondary glaucomas;
• race: specific types are more common among people of Scandinavian descent or Caucasians;
• gender: certain types occur more frequently in Caucasian women;
• medications: some drugs increase the risk of both open-angle and angle-closure secondary glaucoma.

Protecting your vision

There are many risk factors for glaucoma, but even without them, the disease may still develop. Regular glaucoma screening should be part of routine eye examinations, especially as you age. Contact your local ophthalmologist who performs glaucoma testing to protect yourself from irreversible blindness.

Diagnosing glaucoma

Early detection of glaucoma through regular eye exams plays a crucial role in treatment and prevention of vision loss. Recommended screening intervals are:

• every 2–4 years if under 40;
• every 1–3 years between ages 40–54;
• every 1–2 years between ages 55–64;
• annually if 65 or older.

Individuals at high risk should begin glaucoma screening at age 35 and repeat it every 1–2 years.

Types of glaucoma

There are many different types of glaucoma. Most are associated with increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve.

Glaucoma treatment

Glaucoma treatment can prevent vision loss if the condition is detected early. Treatment options include:

• eye drops;
• surgical treatment;
• selective laser therapy.

Glaucoma is incurable. It can only be controlled and monitored throughout life. If you have been prescribed medication for this condition, you must take it exactly as directed by your doctor. Signs of glaucoma DO exist. The disease can be diagnosed even before symptoms become noticeable. Patients often perceive symptoms subjectively, and they may not always be clear to the doctor. Conversely, some signs may be objective and evident to the doctor, but unnoticed by the patient.