Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatments for this Eye Disease that Can Lead to Vision Loss
Has your eye doctor mentioned you may be at risk for glaucoma? While anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at a higher risk for this eye disease. In this article, we take a look at what glaucoma is, who is at risk, and how it’s treated.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of the eye called the optic nerve. Scientists aren’t sure what causes the most common types of glaucoma, but many patients with glaucoma have high eye pressure.
There are many different types of glaucoma, but the most common in the United States is called open-angle glaucoma. Other types of glaucoma, such as congenital glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma, are less common.
Symptoms of glaucoma start slowly, and often you may not notice them. The only way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam. There’s no cure for glaucoma, however, early treatment can often stop the damage and protect your vision, making routine eye exams critical.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
At first, glaucoma usually doesn’t have any noticeable symptoms because the changes in your vision happen so slowly. That is why half of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have it.
Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your side (peripheral) vision, particularly the part of your vision that is closest to your nose. As the disease gets worse, you may start to notice that you can’t see things off to the side anymore. Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually lead to blindness.
One of the less common forms of glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden symptoms. Get help right away from your doctor or an emergency room if you experience these sudden symptoms:
- Intense eye pain
- Upset stomach (nausea)
- Red eye
- Blurry vision
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma. However, some people have a higher risk for this eye disease. Those at higher risk include:
- People over the age of 60, especially if you are Hispanic/Latino
- Are African American and over the age of 40
- Have a family history of glaucoma
If you are at risk for glaucoma, speak with your eye doctor about how often you need to get checked. If you are at a higher risk, the National Institutes of Health recommends a comprehensive dilated eye exam every one to two years.
Diagnosing and Treating Glaucoma
Eye doctors check for glaucoma as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil, then check your eyes for glaucoma and other eye problems. This exam includes a visual field test to check your side vision.
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, there are several treatment options. Prescription medications, often in the form of eye drops, is the most common form of treatment. These lower the pressure in your eye and prevent damage to your optic nerve. If you are prescribed medication, make sure to take it as directed and to let your doctor know of any side effects you may have.
Laser treatments can also be used to lower your eye pressure. Lasers are used to help drain fluid out of your eye. While this sounds scary, it is actually a simple procedure that can be done in your eye doctor’s office.
If medicines and laser treatment do not work, your doctor might suggest surgery to help the fluid drain out of your eye and lower eye pressure.
If you are having trouble with everyday activities because of your vision loss, ask your doctor about vision rehabilitation services or devices that could help.
Key Takeaways
Routine dilated eye exams are key to discovering glaucoma early. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better your vision and eye health outcomes! If you are at a higher risk for developing this eye disease, be sure to speak with your doctor about a dilated eye exam.
Ready to schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam? Black Diamond Eye Care are your experts in vision! Schedule your next exam today.
