Kick Off the New Year with Glaucoma Awareness Month and an Eye Exam

Glaucoma Fact #1: It's a Group of Related Eye Conditions, Not Just One Disease

When you hear the term “glaucoma,” you might think of it as a single eye disease, like cataracts or diabetic retinopathy. However, glaucoma actually refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision. This damage typically results from abnormally high pressure in the eye, but the underlying causes of this pressure vary, leading to different types of glaucoma.

Here are the four primary types of glaucoma:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common form and develops gradually. It occurs when the eye’s drainage system doesn’t work efficiently, causing fluid buildup and increased pressure that damages the optic nerve. Because it progresses so slowly, vision changes often aren’t noticeable until the condition is advanced.  

• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Also called closed-angle glaucoma, this type happens when the iris is positioned too close to the eye’s drainage angle, partially or completely blocking fluid flow. If the drainage angle is fully blocked, pressure can rise rapidly, leading to a serious condition known as acute angle-closure glaucoma.  

• Congenital Glaucoma: This rare form is present from birth due to developmental abnormalities in the eye. Babies born with this condition may require early treatment to prevent significant vision loss. 

• Secondary Glaucoma: This type occurs as a result of another eye condition, such as untreated uveitis or advanced diabetic retinopathy. These underlying issues create conditions that contribute to the development of glaucoma. 

Glaucoma Fact #2: Glaucoma Affects Over 3 Million Americans

Glaucoma is far more common than many people realize. According to the CDC, more than 3 million individuals in the United States currently live with some form of glaucoma. By 2050, this number is expected to double, reaching over 6 million cases. One of the primary drivers behind this increase is the aging population, as people over the age of 60 face a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma.

The challenge with glaucoma lies in its stealthy progression; most people don’t experience symptoms until permanent damage has occurred. This makes awareness and early detection essential. Educational efforts, such as Glaucoma Awareness Month, play a crucial role in spreading knowledge about the disease and encouraging proactive eye health, which can help reduce the number of late-stage glaucoma diagnoses.

Glaucoma Fact #3: Glaucoma Often Goes Undetected Until Irreversible Damage Occurs

The majority of glaucoma cases fall under the open-angle category, which progresses gradually over time. In its early stages, open-angle glaucoma typically presents no noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to detect without regular eye exams. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms become apparent, permanent vision loss has often already occurred. This silent progression is why glaucoma is frequently called "The Silent Thief of Sight."

As glaucoma advances, it starts to impact peripheral vision, creating what’s commonly known as tunnel vision. Without treatment, the condition can continue to progress, eventually affecting central vision and leading to complete blindness. While the process of vision loss may take years, any damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, emphasizing the importance of early detection through routine eye care.

Glaucoma Fact #4: Glaucoma is the Leading Cause of Preventable Blindness in the U.S.

Worldwide, glaucoma ranks as the second leading cause of blindness, and in the United States, it’s the top cause of preventable blindness. While there’s currently no cure for glaucoma, it can often be effectively managed if detected early. Taking proactive steps to reduce your risk and catch the disease early is key to preserving your vision.

Here are some ways you can protect your eye health and help prevent glaucoma:

• Schedule Annual Comprehensive Eye Exams: Regular eye exams that include glaucoma testing are the best way to catch the condition early, before vision loss occurs. Annual exams are essential, especially for individuals at higher risk of developing glaucoma. 

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases blood pressure, which can elevate the risk of glaucoma. Quitting or avoiding smoking altogether is a simple yet effective step in reducing this risk. 

• Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: A nutritious diet and regular exercise can promote overall health and may lower your likelihood of developing glaucoma as you age. Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants and maintaining an active routine can benefit your eyes as well as your body. 

• Talk to Your Doctor About Ocular Steroids: Steroid eye drops are often prescribed for certain conditions, but they can elevate eye pressure and increase the risk of glaucoma. If you’re at risk, consult with your doctor about alternative treatments or close monitoring during steroid use. 

• Use Protective Eyewear: Eye injuries can result in infections or increased eye pressure, potentially contributing to glaucoma. Always wear safety glasses or protective gear when working in environments with flying debris or hazardous conditions.

Glaucoma Fact #5: Certain Individuals Are More at Risk for Developing Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when increased intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve, and certain factors can significantly raise a person’s risk of developing this condition. Individuals with health conditions like hypertension or diabetes are more prone to glaucoma, as elevated blood pressure can block the eye’s natural drainage pathways, causing fluid buildup and pressure increases. Additionally, those with a family history of glaucoma are at greater risk due to the genetic component of the disease. In rare cases, hereditary glaucoma can affect infants and young children born to parents with genetic predispositions, highlighting the importance of early monitoring for families with a history of the condition.

Other factors that elevate glaucoma risk include previous eye injuries, particularly those causing inflammation such as uveitis, as well as refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Sleep apnea has also been linked to an increased likelihood of glaucoma. Lastly, advancing age is a significant risk factor, with individuals over 60 being more susceptible to the condition. Regular eye exams are essential for those in higher-risk groups, as early detection is key to preventing permanent vision loss.

Glaucoma Fact #6: Treatment Options Include Eye Drops and Eye Surgery

Once glaucoma begins to cause vision loss, the damage is permanent, making early detection through regular eye exams critical. The good news is that when glaucoma is diagnosed early, it can be managed effectively to preserve your remaining vision. Treatments focus on reducing intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

The first line of treatment for glaucoma often involves prescription eye drops. These medications work in different ways depending on your specific needs. Prostaglandins are used to increase the drainage of fluid from the eye, while beta blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce fluid production to relieve pressure. In many cases, a combination of these medications may be recommended by your eye doctor to provide optimal results.

Surgical intervention is another approach to managing glaucoma, particularly in more advanced cases. Laser trabeculoplasty is a common procedure that uses a laser to improve the function of the eye’s drainage system. In some situations, a trabeculectomy may be performed, where a surgeon creates a new drainage pathway in the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) to allow excess fluid to escape. A drainage tube may also be implanted during surgery to maintain proper fluid flow.

For cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma, where pressure builds rapidly and poses a severe risk to vision, laser peripheral iridotomy is used. This procedure involves creating a small opening in the iris with a laser to allow immediate fluid drainage, quickly reducing eye pressure. By working with your eye doctor to determine the best treatment plan, you can protect your vision and manage glaucoma effectively.

Glaucoma Fact #7: Angle-Closure Glaucoma Can Cause Blindness Within Days

While glaucoma is a serious condition that often progresses unnoticed until damage has occurred, angle-closure glaucoma stands out as the most urgent and dangerous form of the disease. This condition occurs when the eye’s natural drainage channels suddenly become blocked, causing a rapid rise in intraocular pressure. Unlike the gradual progression of open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma can develop within hours and, if left untreated, lead to irreversible blindness in just a few days. This is why it’s considered a medical emergency.  Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma typically appear suddenly and may include:

• Severe eye pain 

• Headaches 

• Nausea/vomiting 

• Redness or bloodshot eyes 

• Halos around lights or sensitivity to light 

• Blurred vision or a sudden decrease in vision 

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment by an eye care professional can prevent permanent damage to your vision. Acting quickly when symptoms arise can make all the difference in preserving your eyesight.