Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a family of diseases that affects pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve. When pressure inside the eye increases, blind spots in peripheral areas of vision may occur. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Often called the "silent thief" of sight, most forms of glaucoma do not produce symptoms until vision is already severely damaged. But if diagnosed early, the disease can be controlled and permanent vision loss can be prevented.

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
Although glaucoma is most common in adults over the age of 40, susceptibility is not determined by age alone. There is a genetic component, and those with a family history of the disease, as well as African-Americans, are at increased risk. Those with hypertension, diabetes and other systemic diseases are also at risk. Studies have shown individuals at greater risk for glaucoma may fit one or more of the following criteria:

• are over the age of 60
• have a family history of the disease, elevated intraocular pressure
• are African-American over the age of 40
  have diabetes or hypertension
• are nearsighted
• Since early detection is critical to avoiding permanent loss of vision, individuals who possess any of the non-age-related risk factors should have regular examinations by an ophthalmologist every one or two years.
• Individuals in the general population should have a glaucoma evaluation every two or three years after the age of 40, and every one or two years after the age of 60.

What is the treatment for glaucoma?
Glaucoma treatment seeks to decrease intraocular pressure and prevent damage to the optic nerve. Different types of glaucoma require different therapies to prevent further damage to the eye's structures. At the beginning of treatment, we generally recommend medication or a combination of medications for the specific condition. Therapies may include:

• Eye drops (or a combination of eye drops and pills) to reduce intraocular pressure. Several different classes of glaucoma medications are available to provide pressure reduction including beta blockers, prosaglandin analogues, alpha adrenergic agaonists, miotic, epinephrine compounds, and oral and topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. These medications work by either reducing the rate at which fluid in the eye is produced or increase the outflow of fluid from the eye.
• Laser treatment to open the drainage angle and reduce intraocular pressure.
• Surgery to create a new passage for fluid drainage. Surgery is usually reserved for cases that cannot be controlled by medication and following appropriate laser treatment.

Is blindness from glaucoma preventable?
Regular diagnostic examinations by an ophthalmologist are the key to preventing loss of vision due to glaucoma. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors, specialists in eye care and trained to examine and treat eye diseases. Although there is no way to reverse damage, if glaucoma is diagnosed and treated early, blindness is almost always preventable.