Glaucoma Awareness

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness. It is a progressive eye disease, which causes damage to the cells comprising the optic nerve, the structure that sends visual information from the eye to the brain. It occurs when the fluid that normally flows in and out of the eye drains too slowly. As the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye results in a reduction of blood supply to the retina. Optic nerve damage and reduced peripheral (side) vision result from this increased pressure. Symptoms do not usually occur until severe and irreversible damage to the optic nerve has occurred. As the disease progresses, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness may occur. Two to three million Americans 40 years and older have glaucoma and half do not know they have the disease because there are no early symptoms. Michigan has more than 70,000 residents who have been afflicted by this treatable condition.

There are four types of glaucoma:

• Primary (chronic) Glaucoma
  This is the most common type. It develops slowly and often painlessly. As it progresses, peripheral vision is destroyed and, in the final stages of the disease, blindness results in the loss of central (front) vision.
  

• Secondary Glaucoma
  This is a result of something happening to the eye, such as an injury, vein blockage, inflammation, tumor, diabetes, etc., which results in improper drainage of fluid causing increased pressure.
  

• Acute Glaucoma
  This suddenly occurs as a painful, emergency situation.
  

• Congenital Glaucoma
  This is a rare occurrence, which is present at birth.

Some of the main risk factors for glaucoma are identified below:

• Age of over 40 years

• Family history of glaucoma

• Diabetes

• Extreme nearsightedness

• History of eye surgery or injuries

• Use of steroid medications for lengthy time spans

• African-Americans are at much higher risk

The following are some of the common signs and symptoms that indicate a need to be examined for glaucoma or other eye problems. Again, glaucoma often has no symptoms until permanent damage has occurred.

• Many eyeglass changes, which do not correct vision satisfactorily

• An inability to adjust to darkened rooms

• Loss of vision

• Blurred vision

• Colored halos around lights

What can you do to protect your eyes?

The most important step anyone can take is to have regular eye exams and use proper eye protection. Detection methods for glaucoma are by a visual field test and an examination of the optic nerve through a dilated pupil. Treatment usually consists of using eye drops to reduce the eye pressure. These prescription eye drops must be used regularly for the rest of a person's life. If drops are unsuccessful, laser surgery or glaucoma filtration surgery are also options.

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