Glaucoma eye disease > What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma affects nearly 3 million Americans and is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. Glaucoma can gradually ”steal” your vision without your being aware of it. Early detection and prompt treatment are keys to protecting you against permanent loss of vision.

What is Glaucoma ?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases, with damage to the optic nerve leading to permanent vision loss or blindness. The optic nerve is located at the back of the eye and is made up of over a million nerve fibers. It sends images that you see from the retina, a light sensitive layer that lines the interior of the eye, to the brain.

Types of Glaucoma

The two main types of glaucoma are:

Open-angle glaucoma (OAG)

In open-angle glaucoma, the fluid drains too slowly leading to fluid backup and a rise of intraocular pressure. The optic nerve is slowly damaged, causing gradual loss of vision. This is the most common form of glaucoma in Caucasians and African Americans. OAG is a chronic eye disease and usually affects both eyes at the same time.

Closed-angle glaucoma (CAG)

In closed-angle glaucoma, the drainage may be too narrow or blocked, causing sudden buildup of intraocular pressure. Asians and persons who are far-sighted are more prone to develop CAG. This is a common form of glaucoma among Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos, and also Eskimos. The condition can be chronic or acute and usually affects one eye at a time. Acute CAG is a medical emergency and should be treated by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) immediately to prevent severe vision loss or blindness.

Treatment of Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma cannot be cured, and the damage to the optic nerve is irreversible. The purpose of treatment is to prevent further loss of vision. Treatment options include:

Medications

Prescription eye drops or pills to help lower intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of fluid or reducing the production of fluid in the eye. Daily and lifetime use of these medications are often necessary.

Surgery

When medications fail to control intraocular pressure, laser treatment or surgical operations may be needed to open blocked drainage, stretch drainage holes or create a new opening to allow fluids to flow out of the eye. In more severe cases, procedures to destroy the part of the eye that produces fluid may be done.

Closed angle glaucoma can be cured by laser treatment of the iris.

Prevention of Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma is not preventable. However, with early detection and treatment, OAG can be controlled. Comprehensive eye exams are recommended every 2 years for persons between the ages of 40-65, and every year for those over 65. More frequent checkups may be needed for those at high risk.

Closed angle glaucoma is preventable by laser treatment of the iris. If you are currently under treatment for glaucoma, be sure to use or take your medications exactly as prescribed and see your eye doctor regularly.