WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness throughout the world, affecting millions of people.

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which is the cable that connects the eye to the brain. It is a serious and potentially blinding condition that can affect your vision so slowly that you don't even realize that damage is occurring. By the time visual loss from glaucoma is noticed, the effects are irreversible.

The key is to detect glaucoma early when a number of effective glaucoma treatments exist to preserve vision and prevent blindness.

Dr. Tannenbaum is a leading researcher on the newest techniques for imaging the optic nerve for early diagnosis of glaucoma. She has published extensively and has won numerous awards for her work in this area.

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma may affect anyone. However, factors that increase a person's risk include:

• Increasing age
• African-American Heritage
• High Blood Pressure
• Family History
• Diabetes
• Nearsightedness
• Long-term steroid treatment
• Injury or trauma to the eye

Normal Vision	Vision with Glaucoma

What Causes Glaucoma?

If the drainage passage inside the eye is mechanically blocked or isn't functioning correctly, the clear fluid inside the eye, the aqueous humor, builds up. This causes increased pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve (see below).

What are the Different Types of Glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. In this condition the drainage passage inside the eye is open but is not functioning correctly. Fluid builds up inside the eye causing the pressure to rise.

Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when the drainage passage of the eye becomes completely blocked. Occasionally this can occur very rapidly resulting in symptoms of blurred vision, severe eye pain, headache and nausea.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Unfortunately, the common kinds of glaucoma have no early symptoms. Once loss of vision is noticed, the damage is usually severe and irreversible. Despite what most people think, people cannot "feel" an elevated pressure inside their eyes unless the pressure is very high or has risen suddenly. However, intermittent pain, blurring of vision or seeing haloes around lights may indicate glaucoma and should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Any sudden, severe eye pain or loss of vision should prompt an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist.

Can lost vision be restored?

Unfortunately, vision lost to glaucoma damage CANNOT be restored. General ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists endeavor to preserve what vision a glaucoma patient still has. Medicine and surgery for glaucoma can prevent further loss of vision, but cannot improve vision. Persons with glaucoma who fail to seek or follow the advice of an ophthalmologist may slowly lose their remaining vision until they become blind.

How often should someone be checked (screened) for glaucoma?

Recommended intervals for eye exams are

• Age 40 or younger: Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every 1 to 2 years. Others should have an eye exam every 2 to 4 years.
• Age 40-64: Every 1 to 2 years.
• Age 65 or older: Every 6 to 12 months.

These routine screening eye examinations are mandatory because, as already stated, glaucoma usually causes no symptoms (asymptomatic) in its early stages. In order to preserve vision, glaucoma must be diagnosed early. Also, patients with glaucoma need to be aware that it is a lifelong disease. Moreover, to keep their vision, they must be compliant with their scheduled visits to the eye doctor and with their medication regimens.

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