Glaucoma

Glaucoma is characterized as a disease of the optic nerve which causes loss of vision. High pressure in the eye is one of the most common risk factors. Normally a fluid called aqueous humor flows through the front portion of the eye, helps to maintain the shape of the eye, and carries nourishment to the lens and cornea. This fluid is carries out of the eye and into the bloodstream through tiny pores. If, for various reasons, these pores become plugged, the pressure rises inside the eye and may cause blindness if not treated.

Glaucoma can strike at any age, and is even occasionally seen in infants (congenital glaucoma). It is most common in adults over thirty-five, however.

Causes

Glaucoma is not caused or aggravated by use of the eyes at any age. Conversely, even advanced glaucoma does not cause blurred vision, pain, headache, or red eyes in ninety-five percent of the victims (side vision is attacked first). The only way of detecting the disease in these patients is through tonometry, a brief, painless check of the pressure of the eye, and by examination of the optic nerve.

The patient who has elevated pressures or other signs suggestive of glaucoma may be advised either to return periodically for additional pressure readings, or to undergo further diagnostic testing. A single elevated pressure reading does not necessarily mean that glaucoma is present. Several elevated readings, especially if coupled with optic nerve changes, are more suggestive of the disease. The interval between checkups and the type of testing recommended is tailored to the individual patient.

Treatment

If glaucoma is diagnosed, treatment with eye drops and/or oral medications can control the pressure and preserve vision in most cases. Only a relatively small number of patients ever require surgery.

Over a million people in this country have this disease and do not know it. For this reason, it is advisable for everyone to have a routine glaucoma checkup every two years. A yearly test should be performed if glaucoma is present in the family.