Glaucoma is a group of related eye disorders often characterized by high intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve.
The disease rarely presents immediate symptoms, making an early diagnosis extremely important…
Gradual reduction of peripheral vision without other symptoms can indicate primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), in which drainage of fluid from the eye is constricted, but not completely blocked.
The sudden onset of symptoms such as eye pain, headaches, halos around lights, dilated pupils, and nausea can indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, in which drainage becomes completely blocked.
Vision loss caused by damage to the optic nerve while IOP remains within a normal range can indicate normal-tension glaucoma.
Studies have shown that glaucoma affects African Americans and Hispanics at three times the rate of non-Hispanic whites. The condition also tends to run in families and is more prevalent in patients over the age of 40. There is also a higher risk of developing glaucoma among patients who:
“It appears that OPP (ocular perfusion pressure) is largely determined by cardiovascular fitness. We cannot comment on the cause, but there is certainly an association between a sedentary lifestyle and factors which increase glaucoma risk.”
Paul J. Foster, MD, PhD, University College London Institute of Ophthalmology
Followed by a dilated exam to evaluate your optic nerve and cup (CD ratio) inside the eye. Additional testing with a formal visual field (VF) to assess your peripheral vision may be conducted. A formal analsyis of you nerve fiber layer through the use of a an ocular coherence tomography (OCT)
A tonometer is used to measure your IOP.
There are 3 primary steps:
1. Your eye is typically numbed with eye drops.
2. A small probe gently rests against the surface of the eye.
3. The scans are non-invasive and painless.
4. You’ll place your chin in a rest and keep your eye open while the instrument scans.
A short, painless exam can reveal glaucoma symptoms and help protect your vision.
Glaucoma typically presents without symptoms, and can quickly lead to loss of vision or total blindness without the appropriate treatment.
The good news is that with early detection, glaucoma can be controlled and vision loss can be prevented. If you are experiencing glaucoma symptoms or any other vision changes, or if you are overdue for an eye exam, speak with a doctor today to protect your vision.