What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, which carries the images we see to the brain, is damaged. The optic nerve is like an electric cable containing about 1.2 million wires. Glaucoma can damage nerve fibers, causing blind spots to develop. In the early stages of the disease, there may be no symptoms. Experts estimate that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.

The good news is however, that glaucoma can be controlled and vision preserved - if detected early.

What causes glaucoma?

A certain level of pressure is needed within the eye for it to keep its shape. This pressure is maintained by the flow of a fluid (aqueous humour) within the eye, and should not be confused with tears. A balance between the fluid entering and leaving the eye determines the pressure in the eye (the intraocular pressure).

Most cases of glaucoma occur because the flow of fluid out of the eye becomes restricted and the pressure within the eye rises. This pressure causes damage to the optic nerve.

Normal tension glaucoma is caused by poor blood supply or a weakness in the optic nerve structure which can make the nerve susceptible to damage by normal eye pressure. Some eyes can have moderately raised pressure but no signs of loss of vision or optic nerve damage and this is known as ocular hypertension.

How do I treat Glaucoma?

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, as a gradual loss of vision may occur without the patient noticing.

Katzen Eye Group has visual field testing and nerve fiber analyzers that will allow our doctors to identify glaucoma and glaucoma suspects much earlier.