Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve which is usually associated with high pressure inside the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S., affecting an estimated 2 million people. Loss of sight from glaucoma can be prevented through early detection and treatment by an ophthalmologist.
Eye pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Although everyone is different, normal eye pressure typically ranges from 10-20 mm Hg. When your pressure is higher than 20-22 mm Hg, you may be at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.
The different types of glaucoma are:
Open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common type of glaucoma, affecting more than 90 percent of adult patients. It is typically a slowly progressive, painless disease making periodic examinations vital for both detection and treatment.
Angle-closure glaucoma
This form of glaucoma occurs when the fluid drainage apparatus of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden and dramatic pressure increase inside the eye. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma is usually accompanied by severe eye pain or headache, blurry vision, haloes around lights, and nausea and vomiting. It must be treated immediately or blindness may result.
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Risk factors
There are a number of risk factors for developing glaucoma. The most important of these include high pressure inside the eye, advanced age, extreme near-sightedness, African ancestry, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of glaucoma. Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma.
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Treatment
Glaucoma is usually controlled by eye drops used several times a day, occasionally in combination with pills. These medications work by lowering pressure inside the eye and must be taken regularly to be effective. Laser surgery can also be effective in treating both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Finally, operative surgery in which a new drainage channel is created for fluid to leave the eye may be needed.
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Preventing vision loss
Regular dilated eye examinations can help prevent vision loss from glaucoma. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having an eye examination:
Support Groups and Counseling
Support groups and counseling for people who are living with glaucoma may be available through various organizations specializing in eye care. View a list of community groups for the Dallas area.
by Jess Whitson, M.D.
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