Eye-Net - Glaucoma - Opticianry

Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is actually a group of eye diseases which cause damage to the optic nerve, usually resulting from elevated fluid pressure within the eye. This elevated pressure is caused by a backup of fluid within the eye. Gradually, loss of vision occurs. Through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, you and your doctor can help to preserve your vision.
The disease is called the "silent thief of sight" because it strikes without obvious symptoms. Therefore, the person with glaucoma is usually unaware of it until serious loss of vision has occurred. In fact, half of those suffering damage from glaucoma do not know it. Currently, damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed.

How would you see if you had glaucoma

Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Everyone should be concerned about glaucoma and its effects. It is important for each of us, from infants to senior citizens, to have our eyes checked regularly, because early detection and treatment of glaucoma are the only way to prevent vision impairment and blindness. There are a few conditions related to this disease which tend to put some people at greater risk.

This may apply to you if:

you are over 45 and have not had your eyes examined regularly
someone in your family has a history of glaucoma
you have abnormally high intraocular pressure
you are of African or Asian descent
you have diabetes, myopia (nearsighted), high blood pressure, or protracted steroid intake (cortisone)
you have morning headaches
you suffer from recurrent blurry vision
you see rainbow-hued halos around lights at night
you believe that your peripheral (side) vision is decreasing
you get pain around your eyes after watching TV or leaving a dark theatre

How do I find out if I have glaucoma?.
Your eye doctor can perform a series of simple tests which will help to determine whether or not you have glaucoma or are especially likely to develop the disease--even before you have any symptoms.
The most important thing you can do to protect your vision from glaucoma is to have regular eye exams. If your eye doctor finds that you have the disease or that you are at risk for the disease, he or she can recommend treatment to minimize the risks or the effects of the disease.