Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss.

Signs & Symptoms

Chronic (Open-Angle)

This type takes place gradually. Loss of side (peripheral) vision and blurred vision are the first signs. Later, symptoms include:

• Vision loss in side and central vision, usually in both eyes.
• Blind spots. Seeing halos around lights.
• Poor night vision.
• Blindness, if not treated early.

Acute (Angle-Closure)

This type is a medical emergency! These symptoms occur suddenly:

• Severe eye pain and nausea
• Blurred vision. Seeing halos around lights.
• Redness in the eye. Swollen upper eyelid.
• Severe headache that throbs

Vision with Glaucoma

Causes

Glaucoma occurs when the pressure of the liquid in the eye gets too high and causes damage to the optic nerve. Increased eye pressure without damage is not glaucoma, but increases the risk for it. Antihistamines and long-term corticosteroid use can trigger or worsen glaucoma.

Risk Factors

• Being over age 60
• Being African American over age 40
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Having diabetes
• Being nearsighted

Treatment

Glaucoma may not be preventable, but the blindness that could result from it is. All adults over age 40 should be screened for glaucoma. If pressure inside the eyeball is high, an eye doctor will prescribe treatment. This includes:

• Prescribed eye drops or pills lower eye pressure, cause the eye to make less fluid, or help drain fluid from the eye. Take medicines on a regular basis. Let your eye doctor know of side effects.
• Laser beam surgery
• Surgery that drains fluid from the eye.

Treatments help with current vision. They do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.