Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the U.S. In general, glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye and causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is like an electric cable with over a million wires that carry images from the eye to the brain. Intraocular pressure increases when the drainage area of the eye becomes clogged. This pressure elevation can occur slowly as a result of aging, or suddenly in the case of angle closure glaucoma. Glaucoma often develops over many years without causing pain or other noticeable symptoms.
Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it. Symptoms develop when the disease is advanced and vision loss begins to encroach on central vision. Some patients with glaucoma can even have normal or near normal eye pressures. It was once thought that high pressure within the eye was the sole cause of this optic nerve damage. Although elevated intraocular pressure is clearly a major risk factor, we now know that other factors are also involved in causing a person to develop glaucoma.
Fortunately, if it is caught early glaucoma can usually be controlled. If you are over 40, African-American, have a family history of glaucoma, are diabetic or very nearsighted, you should have your eyes checked every year. To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field as well as the pressure in your eye.
If you wait until your vision is impaired, glaucoma may already be quite advanced. As the optic nerve becomes more damaged, blank spots begin to appear in your field of vision. You typically won’t notice these blank spots in your day-to-day activities until the optic nerve is significantly damaged and these spots become large. Blindness results if the blank spots become large enough. With early detection and appropriate treatment, your vision can be preserved.
To schedule an appoint with Helm Vision Group please call: 661-259-3937.