Glaucoma, the second-leading cause of blindness, is a group of eye disorders that slowly damage the optic nerve. During routine eye examinations, an optometrist checks for abnormal levels of intraocular pressure, which causes most cases of glaucoma. It is possible to successfully treat glaucoma, especially if it is diagnosed in its early stages. For this reason, it is important to have regular eye checkups that include a screening for glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
The symptoms vary, depending on the type of glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma, often causes no symptoms in the beginning. As time passes, a person may notice that his peripheral vision has begun to fail. Slowly and over time, even objects directly in front of the person become difficult or impossible to see.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma is another common type of glaucoma. Its symptoms include severe eye pain that may cause nausea and vomiting, a sudden onset vision failure, blurry vision, red eyes, and seeing a halo around bright lights.
Screening and Prevention
The best way to prevent glaucoma is to have your eyes examined regularly. African Americans are more prone to glaucoma, and should have their eyes dilated and examined every two years beginning at age 40. Others should begin having their eyes dilated every other year beginning at age 60. People with family members who have glaucoma should speak to their eye care professionals about being screened more often.
Screening entails checking the intraocular pressure inside of the eye with a procedure called tonometry. This is a painless procedure performed with drops that will numb your eye. Other tests include a visual acuity test, a peripheral vision test, and a test for optic nerve damage.
Treatments
Glaucoma can be successfully treated if it is caught early. If diagnosed in its advanced stages, treatment will help to prevent further vision damage, but can not repair the damage that has already occurred. Treatment plans often start with eye drops or oral medications to normalize the pressure inside of the eye. More advanced cases, or cases that do not respond to the medications, may require laser or conventional surgery. Acute angle-closure glaucoma often requires immediate surgery to treat the problem.
