What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a specific pattern of optic nerve damage and visual field loss caused by a number of different eye diseases which can affect the eye. Most, but not all of these diseases, are characterized by elevated intraocular pressure, which is not the disease itself, but the most important risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
The disease is called the "silent thief of sight" because it strikes without obvious symptoms. Therefore, the person with glaucoma is usually unaware of it until serious loss of vision has occurred. In fact, half of those suffering damage from glaucoma do not know it. Currently, damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Everyone should be concerned about glaucoma and its effects. It is important for each of us, from infants to senior citizens, to have our eyes checked regularly, because early detection and treatment of glaucoma are the only way to prevent vision impairment and blindness. There are a few conditions related to this disease which tend to put some people at greater risk. These are:
* family history of glaucoma
* high intraocular pressure
* myopia (nearsighted)
* long-term steorid use
* previous eye injury
* hypertension
What could happen?
In angle-closure glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) can increase suddenly, causing an angle-closure (acute glaucoma) attack. This attack can occur within a matter of hours and become very painful. Possible indications include:
* eye pain
* red eye(s)
* swollen or cloudy cornea(s)
* halos around lights (rainbow-colored rings around lights)
* recurrent blurry vision
* morning headaches
How do I find out if I have glaucoma?
Your eye doctor can perform a series of simple tests which will help to determine whether or not you have glaucoma or are especially likely to develop the disease--even before you have any symptoms.