Diagnosis: Glaucoma

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is like an electric cable containing about 1.2 million wires and damage to this nerve can cause blind spots in the field of vision. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness will occur.

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness, is estimated to affect 1 of every 50 adults. Although Glaucoma can occur at any age, the risk of developing the disease increases dramatically after the age of 35. Glaucoma is also more likely to develop in people who are severely nearsighted, have a family history of the condition, are diabetic or of African American descent. Because the symptoms of early Glaucoma are so slight, the disease often goes unnoticed until permanent vision loss has occurred. However, if detected early and with proper treatment, visual damage can be controlled and vision preserved.

For more information, see Symptoms and Signs of Glaucoma.

How common is Glaucoma?

Worldwide, Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. In fact, as many as 6 million individuals are blind in both eyes from this disease. In the United States alone, according to one estimate, over 3 million people have Glaucoma. As many as half of the individuals with Glaucoma, however, may not know that they have the disease. The reason they are unaware is that Glaucoma initially causes no symptoms, and the loss of vision on the side (periphery) is hardly noticeable.

What causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase of fluid pressure in the eye. The front part of the eye contains clear, nourishing fluid called 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. The exact reason the fluid system in the eye stops functioning properly is not completely understood. However, research is constantly being done to further our understanding of Glaucoma.

How is Glaucoma treated?

The effects of Glaucoma are permanent, but with early treatment, the loss of vision can be minimized. In some patients, damage occurs very slowly and treatment may not be necessary. However, most patients do require treatment, such as eye drops, to prevent or delay loss of vision. Following the treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor is extremely important. Without treatment, a gradual loss of vision may occur without you noticing.

Katzen Eye Group uses visual field testing and nerve fiber analyzers to help identify Glaucoma and Glaucoma suspects much earlier.

Katzen's Glaucoma Specialist

Katzen Eye Group is fortunate to have on staff a fellowship-trained Glaucoma Specialist, who provides patients with the highest level of expertise in medical and surgical management of Glaucoma.

Important Glaucoma Links

• American Optometric Association
• Allergan
• American Glaucoma Society

Schedule a Glaucoma Consultation

If your sight is starting to slip away, please don't wait any longer. Contact Katzen Eye Group today to discuss your Glaucoma treatment options.