Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It is a group of diseases that gradually steal vision without warning.  Because it is painless and subtle, most people with glaucoma do not know that they have the disease.  However, a  comprehensive ophthalmology examination can detect it.  With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented.

Risk factors associated with glaucoma are as follows:

• African Americans over the age of 40
• Everyone over the age of 60
• People with a family history of the disease
• Abnormally high eye pressure, thin cornea, or abnormal shape of the optic nerve
• Near sightednesss
• Diabetes
• Previous eye injury
• Long term use of steroids

Treatment can involve eye drops, laser surgery, or incisional surgery.  All current treatments are aimed at lowering the ocular pressure.

Regular and complete eye examinations help to monitor the changes in your eyes and will help to determine whether you may be at risk for developing glaucoma.