Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a an eye disease that causes blindness – usually from the periphery first. It’s a slow disease but may be aggressive in certain forms of glaucoma. There are different types of glaucoma as well as many different treatments.
In order to see well, there are two structures in the eye that optometrists pay close attention to – the optic nerve and the macula. The optic nerve is like a USB cord to the brain (which is like the computer) – it pulls information from the eyes and transfers it to your brain to see. The macula is like a fancy DSLR camera – it’s responsible for your 20/20 central vision.
Glaucoma is when the optic nerve is damaged, and the tissue starts to die. When the optic nerve is damaged, nothing is seen because that information is not getting to the brain – no matter how great the “20/20 camera” is working. The damage glaucoma does is irreversible.
This is why it is crucial to have an annual eye exam so that your optometrist is able to establish a baseline exam and monitor for any development of glaucoma. There are no symptoms until the much later stages of glaucoma – it is a silent thief of sight.
We still don’t know what causes glaucoma, but it is a multifactorial disease that is continually being researched.
What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
Generally for primary open angle glaucoma, these are the presenting risk factors:
High eye pressure (optometrists check this during every comprehensive eye exam)
Positive family history
Ethnicity
Thin corneas (this is also checked by eye doctors)
Systemic conditions like sleep apnea and low blood pressure
It is important to let your optometrist know about any family and personal health history that may put you at a greater risk for glaucoma.
How does an optometrist manage glaucoma?
Glaucoma is treated with eye drops and/or eye surgery. Treatments delay blindness, as there is no cure for glaucoma at this time. There are a lot of options for treating glaucoma due to the complex nature of the disease. Every year, new diagnostic technologies and treatment options are released, so it is crucial patients follow up with their doctors as directed.
For glaucoma patients: There are many eye drops when treating glaucoma, so if you feel that you are having a bad reaction to your current eye drop, please let your doctor know. Often times, they can change the type of drop. Compliance is crucial in slowing progression of the disease, so try your best to not skip any scheduled drops.