Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye.
Key Fact: Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60.
Common Symptoms
Loss of Peripheral Vision
Gradual loss of side vision, which often goes unnoticed in early stages.
Haloes Around Lights
Seeing rainbow-colored circles around lights, especially at night.
Severe Eye Pain
Sudden, intense pain in the eye (acute angle-closure glaucoma).
Nausea and Vomiting
Systemic symptoms accompanying sudden high eye pressure.
Risk Factors
- High internal eye pressure (IOP)
- Increasing age
- Family history
- African, Asian, or Hispanic heritage
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis
Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma before permanent vision loss occurs.
Tonometry (Pressure Test)
Ophthalmoscopy
Visual Field Test
Pachymetry (Corneal Thickness)
Common Treatments
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Medicated Eye Drops: Prescribed drops to lower eye pressure by improving fluid drainage.
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Laser Surgery: Procedures to help the eye's drainage system work more efficiently.
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Microsurgery: Creating a new drainage channel to lower the pressure inside the eye.