What is a Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, resulting in a loss of vision. The optic nerve transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain.
The most common form of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. The higher pressure causes progressive damage to the optic nerve and loss of vision. Advanced glaucoma may even cause blindness.
Not everyone with high pressure will develop glaucoma, and many people with normal eye pressure can develop glaucoma. When the pressure inside an eye is too high for that particular optic nerve, glaucoma will develop.
There are many types of glaucoma and many theories regarding the causes. But the exact cause of glaucoma is not known, and it cannot currently be prevented.
Who is at risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.
Most forms of Glaucoma develop slowly and usually without any symptoms. Many people do not become aware they have the condition until significant vision loss has occurred.
Peripheral or side vision is initially affected by glaucoma, but it can advance to central vision. If glaucoma is detected at an early stage and treated promptly, it can usually be controlled with little or no further vision loss. This is why annual optometric exams are so important for people at risk for glaucoma.
People of all ages can develop glaucoma, but it most frequently occurs in:
- White and Hispanic people over the age 60
- Black people over the age 40
- People with a family history of glaucoma
- People who have eye-related risk factors such as eye trauma, thin corneas (front surface of the eye), retinal detachments, eye inflammations, and certain optic nerve appearances
- People who have certain medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease
Types of Glaucoma
Of the different types of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma often develops gradually and painlessly, without warning signs or symptoms. This type of glaucoma is more common among Black people than White people.
Primary open angle glaucoma can cause damage and lead to blindness more quickly in Black people, making regular eye exams, including tests for glaucoma, particularly important for Black people over age 35.
Another type of glaucoma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, may be accompanied by:
- Blurred vision
- A loss of side vision
- Appearance of colored rings around lights
- Pain or redness in the eyes
How can Glaucoma be detected?
Regular comprehensive eye exams are an important means of detecting glaucoma in its early stages, and will include:
- Tonometry – a simple and painless measurement if the pressure in the eye
- Ophthalmoscopy – an examination of the back of the eye to observe the health and appearance of the optic nerve
- Visual field test – a check for the development of abnormal blind spots
Glaucoma can usually be treated effectively using prescription eye drops or other medicines. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Unfortunately, any loss of vision from glaucoma typically cannot be restored. But early detection, prompt treatment, and regular monitoring can enable you to continue living in much the same way as you have always lived.
Protect your eye health and your vision by scheduling your annual eye exam today.
Is a Glaucoma exam covered by Insurance?
Yes, a comprehensive medical eye exam is covered by Medicare and health insurance
Schedule Your Comprehensive Medical Eye Exam Today
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