Courtesy of Eye Care & Vision Associates (ECVA)

The Cleveland Clinic says glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Unlike some other vision problems like cataracts that affect the lens or surface of the eye, glaucoma impacts the optic nerve directly. However, the ophthalmologists at ECVA provide the following overview, and say blindness from glaucoma often can be prevented with early treatment.

Under pressure.

Glaucoma is brought on by abnormal pressure buildup in the eye. The American Academy of Ophthalmology® explains that the eye constantly makes a substance known as aqueous humor. When new aqueous humor flows into the eye, existing aqueous humor should drain out through an area called the drainage angle. But if the drainage angle is not working correctly, the fluid builds up and intraocular pressure in the eye increases. Over time, this pressure damages the optic nerve. The primary function of the optic nerve is to transmit visual information from the retina to the brain.

Open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.

The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, and occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked or there is resistance to the fluid draining out. This disease may go undetected for years because most people do not experience early symptoms. Gradual development of blind spots in peripheral vision and, in later stages, difficulty seeing things in central vision may occur.

Closed-angle glaucoma.

In closed-angle glaucoma, also called angle-closure glaucoma, a person’s iris is very close to the drainage angle and the iris itself can end up blocking the drainage angle. When the drainage angle becomes completely blocked, pressure in the eye can rapidly increase. This is known as an acute attack and is a true emergency that can result in blindness. Signs of an acute attack include sudden blurry vision, severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and rainbow-colored rings or halos appearing around lights.

Glaucoma risk factors.

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but the risk increases with age and is higher among Black and Hispanic populations. Asian and Inuit populations are more susceptible to closed-angle glaucoma. People with diabetes also have a much higher risk of getting glaucoma, as do individuals with a family history of glaucoma, or those with high blood pressure. Individuals with previous eye injury or surgery are also at risk for glaucoma.

Treatment.

The main treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops that decrease fluids and improve drainage in the eye. Laser therapy may be recommended to help improve fluid drainage. Surgery also can achieve better eye pressure, but it is more invasive, and additional methods may be tried first.

Glaucoma is not something to take lightly. The best way to detect glaucoma is with regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist. A thorough exam should include a dilated examination of the retina (ophthalmoscopy), inspection of the drainage angle (gonioscopy), measurement of intra-ocular pressure (tonometry), measurement of the corneal thickness (pachymetry), and testing of the peripheral visual field of each eye (perimetry).

Learn more about glaucoma at https://www.ecvaeyecare.com/glaucoma. To make an appointment to see an ECVA ophthalmologist, call 716-631-3937.