No Symptoms, No Warning Glaucoma Can Steal Your Sight
Information and support for Glaucoma
Learn more about vision loss, common eye diseases such as glaucoma, and products that can assist people with low vision by attending the low vision by attending the low Vision Support Group, right here in our community. Meeting dates and times vary. Call (954) 457-0501 for more information
You also may find the following websites useful:
- www.preventblindness.org
(Prevent Blindness America) - www.glaucoma.org
(Glaucoma Research Foundation - www.glaucomafoundation.org
(The Glaucoma Foundation)
January 2005 — Three million Americans have a debilitating eye disease, and half of them don't even know it. Glaucoma, often called the "sneak-thief of sight," is the second most common cause of vision loss in the United States.
Facts About Glaucoma
Glaucoma represents a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. The optic nerve carries impulses to the brain and the brain interprets the impulses as images.
There are many different types of glaucoma, including:
- Primary Open Angle Glaucoma — The most common form of the disease, caused by the blockage of the eye's drainage system. This leads to a build-up of intraocular pressure in the eye, which damages the optic nerve.
- Angle Closure Glaucoma — A rare type of glaucoma, where the iris and cornea of the eye are not as wide as they need to be. This causes a blockage of the eye's drainage canals when the pupils in the eye enlarge too much or too fast.
- Secondary Glaucoma — A type of glaucoma that is caused by eye injury or disease.
- Normal Tension Glaucoma (NTG) — With this type of glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged even though the intraocular pressure is not very high.
- Pigmentary Glaucoma — A form of open angle glaucoma where colored granules from the iris become dislodged and clog the eye's drainage canals.
Prevention and Treatment
"The best test for glaucoma is a complete eye exam," notes Guy Angella, MD, ophthalmologist on the medical staff at Memorial Regional Hospital, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and Memorial Hospital West. "This includes a vision test, a test of intraocular pressure and a thorough examination of the optic nerve and the eyes' drainage system."
Although it's important for everyone to have eye exams on a frequent basis, Dr. Angella recommends yearly checkups for the following at-risk groups:
- African Americans over 50
- Seniors over 60
- Individuals related to someone with glaucoma
- Asian Americans
- Individuals who have suffered an eye injury or require steroid medication, such as asthma inhalers
Treatment for glaucoma depends upon the severity of the disease. "Most patients can control their glaucoma with eye-drop medication," says Dr. Angella. "Occasionally, though, laser therapy or eye surgery is required."
While glaucoma is treatable, vision loss from the disease is irreversible. If you are concerned about glaucoma, speak with your doctor. For a referral to a physician, call Memorial Physician Referral Service toll-free at (800) 944-DOCS.