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What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease in which the pressure in the eye leads to optic nerve damage. The optic nerve is what carries light signals from the eye to the brain. Damage to the optic nerve can lead to blindness. 3 million Americans are estimated to have Glaucoma, and half of the patients with it do not realize they have the disease. There are generally no symptoms in the early stages. The loss of vision can be gradual, which makes Glaucoma a silent disease. If left untreated, blindness may occur. Fortunately there are Glaucoma treatments to help prevent vision loss.

What are types of glaucoma

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

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Angle Closure Glaucoma

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Secondary Glaucoma

What is Primary Open Angle Glaucoma?

Primary open-angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common form of Glaucoma in the U.S. There is fluid in the eye called aqueous, which drains through the trabecular meshwork and out of the eye. When the fluid drainage is less than the fluid production, intraocular pressure (IOP) increases and leads to Glaucoma damage. Some people may have higher-than-average IOP and not have signs of vision loss or Glaucoma. We call this ocular hypertension. Conversely, other patients may have low-to-normal IOP and yet still develop optic nerve damage called normal-tension Glaucoma (NTG).

What are risk factors for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma?

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  • Over 6o years old.

  • Family History of Glaucoma.

  • African-American.

  • Myopia (Nearsightedness).

  • High IOP.

  • Eye Injury.

  • Steroid Use (Particularly Eye Drops).

What is angle closure glaucoma?

The fluid in the eye drains through the angle, which is the space between the iris and the cornea. If the angle is narrow or closed, the fluid drainage is obstructed, and pressure can build up in the eye. This can happen quickly, as with acute angle-closure Glaucoma, or over time with chronic angle-closure Glaucoma. Patients with increased risk include hyperopes (farsightedness), and Asian ancestry. Over-the-counter decongestants and certain medications can increase the risk of angle-closure Glaucoma. Check with your eye doctor before taking such medications.

What are the signs of acute angle glaucoma?

  • Pain.

  • Redness.

  • Blurred Vision.

  • Haloes Around Lights.

  • Headaches.

  • Nausea and Vomiting.

What is Secondary Glaucoma?

Some patients develop Glaucoma as a result of external pressure on the eye (i.e., from a tumor), inflammation, diabetes, medications, or eye drops. These forms of Glaucoma are considered secondary Glaucoma and are treated differently from normal primary open-angle Glaucoma.

What are the types of treatment for glaucoma?

  • Medications

  • Laser Peripheral Iridotomy

  • Laser Trabeculoplasty

  • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery

  • Trabeculectomy

  • Valves

How to Schedule a Glaucoma Workup?

If you have some of the aformentioned symptoms or have known risk factors for glaucoma and you would like to have an evaluation, please feel free to schedule a consultation at 412 489-6456

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