Glaucoma
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends visual information from your eye to your brain and is vital for good vision. Damage to the optic nerve is often related to high pressure in your eye. But glaucoma can happen even with normal eye pressure.
Glaucoma can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. It is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
Many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is in its later stages.
It’s important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have glaucoma, you’ll need treatment or monitoring for the rest of your life.
Common Glaucoma Symptoms
The symptoms of glaucoma depend on the type and stage of your condition.
- Severe headache
- Severe eye pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos or coloured rings around lights
- Eye redness
Glaucoma Causes
Glaucoma develops when the optic nerve becomes damaged. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your vision. For reasons that doctors don’t fully understand, this nerve damage is usually related to increased pressure in the eye.
Elevated eye pressure happens as the result of a buildup of fluid that flows throughout the inside of the eye. This fluid also is known as the aqueous humor. It usually drains through a tissue located at the angle where the iris and cornea meet. This tissue also is called the trabecular meshwork. The cornea is important to vision because it lets light into the eye. When the eye makes too much fluid or the drainage system doesn’t work properly, eye pressure may increase.
When to Call a Doctor
If you experience symptoms that come on suddenly, you may have acute angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms include severe headache and severe eye pain. You need treatment as soon as possible. Go to an emergency room or call our office immediately.
Book an appointment if you suspect you suffer from Glaucoma
Other Eye Conditions
Cataracts
Cataracts
Macular Degeneration
Macular Degeneration
Diabetic Retinopathy
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there different types of glaucoma?
Yes, the main types are primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. There are also other less common types like normal-tension glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.
Is glaucoma preventable?
While it can't be prevented entirely, early detection and treatment can control the disease and prevent vision loss.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
It's diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes tests like measuring intraocular pressure, checking the optic nerve head, and testing the field of vision
How is glaucoma treated?
Treatment options include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgery. The goal is to lower intraocular pressure to prevent damage to the optic nerve.