Glaucoma is an eye disease that is characterized by a sudden or gradual increase in pressure in the eye. Since it is mostly asymptomatic (meaning there are no symptoms at first and/or you don't notice the symptoms when you first have it), it's been called "the silent thief of sight" disease. You eventually will notice progressive vision loss, but at that point irreversible vision loss has already occurred. This is one of the many reasons it's very important to get regular eye exams with our eye doctors (ophthalmologist or optometrist) to check for changes in your vision and to test the pressure in your eyes each year. 

Glaucoma Causes

Glaucoma is an eye disease that most often develops after the age of 60. It is believed to be hereditary, and there have been several genes identified that relate to the development of high internal eye pressure. The condition causes a buildup of fluid in the front part of the eye, which increases the pressure in the eye. When the pressure increases, it causes damage to the optic nerve.

Once this damage occurs, it cannot be reversed. Therefore, it is extremely important to get your eye pressure tested on a yearly basis by visiting Advanced Eyecare Professionals.  In our office we do not use the uncomfortable air puff test, instead we perform the test by using a high tech iCare tonometer device. This test is quick and painless and does not require numbing eye drops.

Glaucoma Types and Symptoms

There are two types of glaucoma, including open-angle and closed-angle. In order to understand these two types, it’s important to understand how the fluid flows through the front of the eye. Your eyes create fluid that circulates internally. Once the circulation process is complete, it drains through an opening between the iris and cornea, called the trabecular meshwork. When the trabecular meshwork becomes partially or completely clogged, it results in higher than normal eye pressure.

Open-Angle

Most individuals have open-angle glaucoma. This occurs when the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. The decreased flow of fluid results in a gradual increase in eye pressure. The increase is usually so slight that individuals can have significant vision loss before they realize there is a problem. There are typically no other symptoms associated with this form of the disease and is why yearly complete eye exams are so important for everyone.

Closed-Angle

Closed-angle glaucoma typically occurs after open-angle glaucoma. This stage of the eye disease is characterized by the complete closure of the trabecular meshwork. The closed-angle form is much more dangerous and can be considered an emergency situation. If your vision suddenly becomes blurry, have a sudden severe headache, eye pain, nausea or halos or colors around lights, it is important to call our office immediately to prevent blindness.

Risk Factors for Increased Eye Pressure

• 60 Years of Age or Older
• Have a History of Eye Surgery
• Have a Previous Eye Injury
• Having Extreme Nearsightedness or Farsightedness
• High Internal Eye Pressure

• Other People in the Family Have High Eye Pressure

Glaucoma is the Leading Cause of Vision Loss and Blindness in the United States.

But as many as half of people with glaucoma don't know they have it. Glaucoma has no early symptoms. The only way to check for it is to get a comprehensive dilated eye care. There is no cure for glaucoma, but starting treatment as early as possible can help stop vision loss.

Treatments for High Intraocular Eye Pressure

Glaucoma can be treated, and the inner pressure in your eye can be reduced in order to prevent damage to your optic nerve. Common treatments include medications and/or laser eye surgery, the doctor will determine what type of treatment is needed.

Eye Medications

The most common treatment used to reduce internal eye pressure is daily eye drops. These eye drops can either decrease the amount of fluid the eye produces, or they can increase the flow of fluid through the trabecular meshwork.

Laser Eye Surgery

If the eye drops fail to adequately reduce the internal pressure in the eye, laser eye surgery may be needed. This surgery involves either opening the trabecular meshwork or creating a very small hole in the iris to increase fluid drainage.

Anyone can get Glaucoma, but some are at Higher Risk, including people who

• Age 40 and older

• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Long-term steroid use
• African American, Hispanic, or Asian heritage

For more information about Glaucoma, you can read our blog about it and/or contact Advanced Eyecare Professionals . Serving Hastings, Ionia, Lowell and the surrounding regions  click here to schedule an appointment.