January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects mainly adults over the age of 50, especially African Americans, person's with diabetes, those who are very nearsighted or have had damage to the eye. Simply put, the fluid that circulates through the eye and normally drains off through a mesh of tissues starts to build up in the eye and does not drain off as would normally happen. This increased fluid pressure damages the optic nerve leading to vision loss and blindness if not treated. Glaucoma can be chronic - happening gradually over time or acute with symptoms occurring suddenly.
Symptoms
With chronic glaucoma, vision loss is gradual and may not be noticed until the loss is substantial. Peripheral vision is lost first and can progress to tunnel vision, and if not treated to complete vision loss. Acute glaucoma occurs suddenly, with very significant changes in vision. Vision will be blurred, there will be rings or halos around lights especially at night. Acute glaucoma can also cause pain in the eye along with headache, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
Diagnosis and Prevention
There is no way to prevent glaucoma before it happens, but with early detection vision loss can be minimized. Regular eye exams are recommended for all adults over the age of forty. The eye exam should include tonometry the exam where a puff of air hits your open eye), dilation of the pupil for visual examination of the optic nerve, and checking for vision loss with and eye chart.
Treatment
Chronic glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops that help to reduce the fluid pressure in the eye. If the eye drops are not effective a new laser surgery can be done which helps to open the drainage system for the fluid and help reduce the pressure. Acute Glaucoma is treated with laser surgery also, the outcome being drainage of the fluid. With both types of glaucoma eye drops may be needed for the rest of one's life.
Outcomes
With prompt diagnosis and treatment vision loss can be kept to a minimum. It is imperative that all adults, especially with risk factors or a family history have a yearly eye exam. Evaluation for chronic glaucoma is a standard part of every eye exam. Symptoms of acute glaucoma should be considered an emergency medical problem and you should seek treatment ASAP.
