Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve typically caused by a buildup of pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure. It is most common in adults but can present at any age. Glaucoma affects vision gradually over time but if left untreated can cause vision problems and eventually blindness. Because there are no clear symptoms of glaucoma, regular eye exams can help catch it before it becomes too advanced.

What are the Symptoms?

For most, there are usually no distinct symptoms to signify the onset of glaucoma. Once signs become present glaucoma is usually at an advanced stage and more difficult to treat. This is one reason you should have a complete eye exam with an eye specialist every one to two years. Depending on the stage of your condition, different signs can be present. Some of those signs include:

• Blurred vision
• Redness in the eye
• Severe headache
• Seeing “halos” around lights
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blind spots in your side peripheral or central vision
• Vision loss
• Eye that looks hazy (particularly in infants)
• Pain in the eye
• Tunnel vision

What Type of Treatment is Available?

Treatment for glaucoma will depend on the stage of the disease and your current symptoms. Initially, treatment will focus on lowering the pressure in your eye. Treatments may include any of the following:

• Eye drops – The drops will be used to reduce the formation of fluid in the front of the eye or increase its outflow.
• Laser surgery - Laser surgery for glaucoma increases the outflow of the fluid from the eye or eliminates fluid blockage.
• Microsurgery- In an operation called a trabeculectomy, a new channel is created to drain the fluid build-up in the eye. This helps to reduce the intraocular pressure that causes glaucoma.

Speak to your eye doctor about treatments that would be the best option for your level of glaucoma.