Glaucoma

Glaucoma is Manageable with Detection, Treatment

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of permanent blindness in the world. It is an irreversible disease that damages the optic nerve and is often associated with increased eye pressure. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness.

There are no symptoms of early glaucoma. Fortunately, detection methods continue to improve and proper preventive care can help you avoid total vision loss.

Some people may have higher risk

While glaucoma can strike anyone, the following factors may put you at increased risk:

• Being of African descent
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Increasing age
• History of trauma to the eye

Diagnosis and Prevention

Glaucoma Awareness Begins With Regular Eye Exams

Most people are unaware they have glaucoma in the early stages. Glaucoma is an irreversible disease that damages the optic nerve and is often associated with increased eye pressure. Scheduling regular eye exams with your doctor is vital to detecting glaucoma and preventing major vision loss.

Diagnosis follows variety of tests

A thorough eye exam with dilation of the pupils is necessary. Your doctor also may use a variety of non-invasive laser technologies to examine the optic nerve in your eye and perform a visual field test to detect abnormalities in your vision.

Your vision can be impaired as optic nerve damage progresses and you begin to lose side vision.

If you are identified as a “glaucoma suspect” at risk of vision loss, your doctor will examine your optic nerve and repeat the other diagnostic tests one or more times a year. These tests will track changes that indicate the onset of glaucoma.

Early detection prevents major vision loss

While you can’t prevent glaucoma, you can prevent major vision loss from this disease with early detection and treatment.

Vision Loss from Glaucoma