Glaucoma
» Four Key Facts About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness
There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma
There may be no symptoms to warn you
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of
blindness in the world, according to the World Health
Organization. Estimates put the total number of suspected
cases of glaucoma at around 65 million worldwide.
It is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight
without warning. In the early stages of the disease, there
may be no symptoms. Experts estimate that half of the people
affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.
Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This
nerve acts like an electric cable with over a million wires.
It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the
brain.
There is no cure for glaucoma-yet. However, medication or
surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The
appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma
among other factors. Early detection is vital to stopping
the progress of the disease.
It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also
known as intraocular pressure or IOP, is the main cause of
this optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk
factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved
because even people with "normal" levels of pressure can
experience vision loss from glaucoma.
FAQ'S
What are the common types of glaucoma?
Adult glaucoma falls into two categories-
open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma . These are
marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or
pressure inside the eye. When optic nerve damage has
occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension
glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which
another disease causes or contributes to increased eye
pressure, resulting in optic nerve
Symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may
include headaches, eye pain, nausea, rainbows around lights
at night, and very blurred vision.
Are You at Risk For Glaucoma?
Everyone is at risk for glaucoma. However,
certain groups are at higher risk than others. People at
high risk for glaucoma should get a complete eye exam,
including eye dilation, every one or two years
The following are groups at higher risk for developing
glaucoma
People Over 60
Family Members with Glaucoma
Steroid Users |
Eye Injury
Other Risk Factors
High Myopia (nearsightedness) |
Diabetes
Hypertension
Central corneal thickness less than .5 mm |
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