Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, is estimated to affect 1 of every 50 adults. Although glaucoma can occur in a person at any age, the risk of developing the disease increases dramatically after the age of 35. Because the symptoms of early glaucoma are so slight, the disease often goes unnoticed until permanent vision loss has occurred. However, with early diagnosis and careful treatment, visual damage from glaucoma can be prevented.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a series of diseases which damage the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve and retina causes blind spots in the field of vision. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness will occur.

What causes glaucoma?

Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase in the fluid pressure in the eye. The front part of the eye contains a clear, nourishing fluid called the aqueous which constantly circulates through the eye. Normally, this fluid leaves the eye through a drainage system and returns to the blood stream.

Glaucoma occurs from an overproduction of fluid or when the drainage system becomes blocked, causing fluid pressure to increase. The high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss.

Symptoms of glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma. The most common type, chronic open angle glaucoma, has early symptoms that are usually unnoticeable. In most cases, it starts with the build up of pressure which is gradual and without any discomfort or pain. Most people do not detect a change in their vision until substantial sight loss has occurred. Certain parts of the peripheral vision are affected first with the top, sides and bottom of the field of vision becoming decreased. Later in the course of the disease, central vision becomes affected, mild headaches and difficulty with night vision might be experienced. If left untreated, total blindness will occur.

The another type of glaucoma is acute closed angle glaucoma and the symptoms are more noticeable. These are blurred vision, severe pain, nausea and halos around lights.

Congenital glaucoma also presents noticeable symptoms in the infant such as enlarged eyes, cloudy cornea, light sensitivity and excessive tearing.

Diagnosing glaucoma

In most cases, glaucoma is detected in a routine eye examination before the patient experiences any vision problems. An evaluation for glaucoma is painless and includes checking the pressure of the eye with a tonometer. The optic nerve is checked for damage with an ophthalmoscope. A special mirrored magnifying lens called a gonioscope is used to examine the drainage channels. If any sign of glaucoma is detected, the patients field of vision is tested for blind spots and any shrinkage in peripheral vision.

Prevention is the best medicine

Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent but can usually be prevented with early detection and treatment. Consequently, since the symptoms of the disease are often unnoticeable, regular eye examinations are important.

All three Eyeglass World locations have an Optometrist office located in their store. Please call if you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment. North Las Vegas – 215 & Decatur (702) 396-2550   Sahara – between Arville & Valley View  (702) 889-2020  Tropicana & Pecos  (702) 451-2020