More than 3 million people in the US have glaucoma. That number is projected to grow to over 4 million by 2030. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the US. Let's talk more about glaucoma today; what it is and what you can do about it.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause increased pressure inside the eye. Here are some facts about glaucoma:-
Glaucoma can cause blindness if left untreated.
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It is sometimes called "the sneak thief of sight" because it does not cause symptoms until sight is already lost and a person can lose as much as 40% of vision before they even notice it.
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Once vision is lost due to glaucoma, it is permanently lost.
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Experts estimate that about half of people with glaucoma don't know they have it.
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In the US, about 120,000 people are blind from glaucoma. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 4.5 million people worldwide are blind due to glaucoma.
What are the different types of glaucoma?
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Primary open-angle glaucoma - This is the most common form of glaucoma, accounting for at least 90% of cases. Pressure inside the eye builds up slowly over time and is a lifelong condition.
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Angle closure glaucoma (also called narrow angle glaucoma) - This is much less common. It happens when the drainage canals of the eye are abnormally narrow, and they get blocked or covered suddenly. This can cause acute build up of pressure in the eye.
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Congenital glaucoma - This is a rare condition that occurs in babies due to abnormal development of the drainage canals of the eye. It can sometimes be corrected with microsurgery.
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Secondary glaucoma - This refers to glaucoma that is secondary to another medical problem. For instance, glaucoma can develop as a result of trauma to the eye, or inflammatory conditions of the eye.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma at any age. For open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, there are some groups of people at higher risk. They include:
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African Americans - Glaucoma is 6-8 times more common in people of African descent. It can also start at a much younger age in this group.
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People over 60
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Family history of glaucoma
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Hispanics in older age groups
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
With open-angle glaucoma, there are virtually no symptoms to warn you that you have it. It does not cause pain or any other symptoms until it starts causing vision loss. Vision loss usually starts in your peripheral vision, which is often not noticed initially. You often unconsciously turn your head to compensate for peripheral vision loss without even realizing it.
Can glaucoma be cured?
There is no cure for glaucoma. It is a lifelong condition but it can be treated and controlled.
How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops, which reduce the pressure inside the eye. Sometimes surgery is needed, particularly for angle-closure glaucoma or congenital glaucoma. Surgery is also indicated if eye drops are not controlling eye pressure well enough.
Because glaucoma is chronic and not curable, it must be monitored and treated for life.
How does glaucoma cause vision loss?
The eye contains millions of nerve fibers that run from the retina on the back inside surface of the eye. They all come together in the center of the retina at the optic disc where they meet the optic nerve. These nerve fibers are very sensitive and are damaged by high pressure within the eye, resulting in loss of vision.
What can you do to protect your vision from the effects of glaucoma?
It is important to have regular eye exams. Your eye doctor will check your eye pressures on each visit to screen for glaucoma. If you have glaucoma, treatment can be started right away.
What are the recommendations for routine eye exams for adults?
If your eyes are healthy, your vision is good, and you do not have underlying health problems or family history of glaucoma, you should have a regular eye exam:
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Once in your 20s and twice in your 30s
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Every 2 to 4 years ages 40 to 54
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Every 1 to 3 years ages 55 to 64
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Every 1-2 years ages 65 or older
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, you should see an eye doctor for a complete exam now. After the exam, your eye doctor will tell you how often you should have your eyes checked in the future, depending on your specific circumstances.
For more information about glaucoma and about regular eye exams, use these links:
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Dr. Anita Bennett MD - Health Tip Content Editor
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