What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a sight-threatening disease that can cause damage to the delicate optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain. Most often, the damage is a result of chronic high pressure within the eye that slowly destroys the nerve fibers.  

Glaucoma Risk Factors

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but it’s important to be aware of these risk factors:

• Being over the age of 60 

• Being African American

• Having a family history of glaucoma

• Having certain medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension

• Having had an eye injury 

• Taking corticosteroid medications 

Glaucoma usually shows no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred, so it’s even more important for those at higher risk to have regular eye exams to detect and treat glaucoma early. With early detection and careful management, significant damage to eyesight from glaucoma is nearly always preventable. 

Types of Glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease. This form of glaucoma leads to gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, usually in both eyes, with tunnel vision in the advanced stages. Generally, there are no noticeable symptoms.

Narrow-Angle Glaucoma

Narrow-angle glaucoma (also known as closed-angle glaucoma) is less common. This form of the disease can lead to a rapid rise in intraocular pressure, developing very quickly with very noticeable symptoms. Symptoms include:

• Severe eye pain

• Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)

• Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light

• Blurred vision

• Halos around lights

• Reddening of the eye

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled glaucoma specialists today. Promptly seek emergency care if you ever experience severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain) or sudden onset of visual changes. Our highly skilled glaucoma specialists are here to support your vision needs.