January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma Awareness Month

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that result in increased pressure in the eye.  This damages the optic nerve.  Glaucoma is one of the leading cause of blindness today.  It generally strikes as one ages but can occur at any time.  The damage from glaucoma is gradual and symptoms may not present until significant damage has occurred.  It is important to have regular eye checkups to catch and prevent vision loss.

What causes glaucoma?

Glaucoma is caused when the normal pressure in your eye elevates putting pressure on the optic nerve in the back of your eye.  The amount of fluid and it’s pressure is regulated by a circulation system called the trabecular meshwork.  This lies at the junction of your cornea and iris.  If this meshwork stops up or is damaged or there is too much fluid for it to handle, then pressure builds up.

What are the types of glaucoma?

• Open-angle glaucoma – This is the most common form.  The angle between the iris and cornea remains open but the trabecular system is partially blocked.
• Angle-closure glaucoma – This occurs when the iris bulges forward blocking the drainage angle.  This can occur slowly or rapidly.  An acute (rapid) process is a true medical emergency.  Symptoms include headache, eye redness and pain, halos, blurred vision and nausea/vomiting.
• Normal-tension glaucoma – The cause of this is unclear.  The pressure in your eye is normal but the optic nerve is damaged.
• Glaucoma in children – The same processes but they can occur at a very young age.
• Pigmentary glaucoma – pigment granules from the iris deposit and block the trabecular meshwork.

Risk factors for Glaucoma

• Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)
  
• Being over age 60
  
• Being black, Asian or Hispanic
  
• Having a family history of glaucoma
  
• Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemia
  
• Having corneas that are thin in the center
  
• Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted
  
• Having had an eye injury or certain types of eye surgery
  
• Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eyedrops, for a long time

What should you do?

Prevention is the key.  Regular dilated eye checks and pressure checks are necessary to pick this up before vision damage occurs.

See your optometrist or ophthalmologist today!