Eye Concerns

Glaucoma occurs when a build-up of fluid in the eye creates pressure, damaging the optic nerve. It may be caused by a gradual blockage of the canal through which the excess fluid inside the eye typically drains. Often as you age the drainage angle becomes less efficient.

What are the symptoms?

Glaucoma often starts slowly, exhibiting no symptoms at all until it has caused serious, irreversible damage. It is the primary reason to have regular eye examinations after you turn 40. With early intervention you have a much better chance of preserving your vision. The three common signs of glaucoma are increased intraocular pressure, visual field loss and damage to the optic nerve and nerve fibers.

Sometimes glaucoma sets in rapidly, with

• Blurred vision
• Severe eye pain
• Headache
• Rainbow haloes
• Nausea and vomiting

These symptoms require immediate intervention.

How is it treated?

Lowering intraocular pressure with prescription eye drops is currently the mainstay of glaucoma treatment.  Poor compliance with medications and failure to attend follow-up visits are major reasons for ongoing vision loss in glaucoma patients.

Glaucoma may also be treated by surgery.

What is involved in surgery for glaucoma?

Glaucoma surgery improves the flow of fluids in the eye, relieving pressure on the optic nerve. Your doctor uses a highly focused laser beam either to modify the existing drainage route or to create an alternate hole in the iris, depending on the type of glaucoma you have. Surgery can treat glaucoma; however, it cannot reverse existing damage, so it is imperative to get treatment as early as possible to minimize vision loss.

 

Photo courtesy of National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health.