All About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss or blindness. The optic nerve transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, and is critical to vision. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged. The symptoms are typically so gradual that they might not be noticed in the early stages, which is why getting yearly dilated eye exams is so important. Vision loss from glaucoma can’t be reversed, and there is no cure- but early diagnosis and treatment can slow or stop progression of any damage.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common form. The eye does not drain fluid like it should, causing eye pressure to build. The rise in eye pressure gradually causes damage to the optic nerve. This type is painless and typically starts with no vision changes. In later stages, it may lead to the loss of peripheral vision, blind spots, or total blindness.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma or Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

When the iris is very close to the drainage angle, it can end up blocking the drainage angle completely. If it gets completely blocked, the eye pressure rises very quickly. This is an acute attack. In most cases, it develops very slowly and people are unaware they have it until the damage is severe or they have an acute attack.

Call us right away if you experience these symptoms of an acute attack:

• Intense eye pain

• Sudden blurry vision in one or both eyes

• You feel nauseous or throw-up

• Halos around lights

Normal Tension Glaucoma

It is possible to have damage to the optic nerve while eye pressure remains normal.

Glaucoma can occur in one or both eyes, and a normal pressure for one person might be high for someone else. When someone is diagnosed with glaucoma, we start by prescribing an eye drop to lower eye pressure. It is important to take it regularly as prescribed and return for any follow ups that are scheduled to monitor your pressure. If you experience any side effects, please call our office and let us know.