What Is Glaucoma

Glaucoma is any number of eye conditions that causes optic nerve damage, which eventually leads to impaired vision or even blindness. In most cases, an excessive buildup of internal eye pressure is the cause of optic nerve damage. When the optic nerves are damaged, they are unable to properly transmit visual information to the brain.

Glaucoma is commonly called the “silent thief of sight” because it is easy to overlook symptoms. It does not usually cause pain or symptoms until the disorder has progressed causing vision loss. The first symptom of glaucoma is often peripheral vision loss. If left untreated, this can eventually lead to blindness. In fact, it is the second leading cause of blindness.

Common Types of Glaucoma

The two most common types of glaucoma are primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Each type will produce different symptoms. Primary open-angle glaucoma symptoms include a gradual loss of peripheral vision that typically occurs in both eyes. In the advanced stages of this type of glaucoma, tunnel vision may occur. Acute angle-closure glaucoma symptoms include nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe eye pain, blurred vision, halos appearing around lights, sudden onset of visual impairment, and reddening of the eye.

When to See the Doctor

If you are experiencing any changes in your vision or have been experiencing gradual visual loss, it is important to set up an appointment with your eye doctor. Since glaucoma usually goes undetected until vision loss has already occurred, it is a good idea to have an eye exam on a regular basis.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that at age 40, individuals should receive a comprehensive eye exam followed by eye exams every 3-5 years afterwards. At age 60, you should begin receiving comprehensive eye exams annually. African-Americans are at higher risk for glaucoma. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that African-Americans receive periodic eye exams at a younger age between the ages 20 and 39. After 40, eye exams are recommended every year or two. Asian-Americans and Mexican-Americans are also at higher risk for glaucoma.

Additional Risk Factors

Additional glaucoma risk factors include:

• Higher than normal internal eye pressure
• Individuals 60 or older
• Family history of glaucoma (studies suggest that glaucoma may have a genetic link)
• Prolonged corticosteroid use
• Nearsightedness
• Other eye conditions such as eye tumors, retinal detachment, chronic uveitis, or eye inflammations
• Medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or diabetes