Highlights
- Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that occurs when fluid builds up in the eye and puts pressure on the optic nerve.
- If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness.
- Risk factors for glaucoma include being over the age of 40, being of African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry, having diabetes or high blood pressure, cataracts, or experiencing an eye injury.
- Your opthamologist can diagnose glaucoma with a thorough eye exam, including measuring eye pressure, examining the optic nerve, observing the eye’s drainage angle, and measuring the cornea’s thickness.
- Treatment options include prescription eye drops and surgery.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. This eye-related disease affects an estimated 3 million people, but that number could be higher as glaucoma may not manifest symptoms right away.
That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and whether you could be at risk for glaucoma. Early detection is key in starting treatment and preserving your eyesight for as long as possible.
Here’s what you need to know about glaucoma, including its symptoms, risk factors, treatment and prevention options, and more.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. This usually happens when fluid builds up in the eye, which puts pressure on the optic nerve. However, glaucoma may occur even with normal eye pressure.
Your eyes are moist environments. They constantly create new fluid, called aqueous humor, to stay hydrated. As your eye makes new fluid, the “old” fluid drains. But if that fluid doesn’t drain properly, it can build up and create pressure that damages the optic nerve.
The optic nerve sends signals from the eye to the brain and is responsible for good vision. When this nerve becomes damaged, these signals become ineffective, weak, or even nonexistent.
Glaucoma Symptoms
In many cases, glaucoma does not present immediate symptoms. This is a progressive disease that may silently erode your eyesight over time.
When symptoms do occur, they may vary depending on the type of glaucoma you have. Generally speaking, symptoms may include:
- Gradual, patch-like blind spots in your side vision
- Eventual impact on central vision
- Gradual blurred vision
- Loss of side vision (in later stages)
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Red eyes
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
Symptoms of glaucoma in children include:
- Cloudy eyes
- Lots of blinking
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Tears without crying
- Closing one or both eyes when exposed to light
While all of these are symptoms of glaucoma, some may also be caused by other conditions, so it’ important to see your doctor if you experience any of these effects.
Glaucoma Causes
There are different types of glaucoma, each of which may occur due to different triggers or conditions.
Open-angle glaucoma
This is the most common form of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage angle is partially blocked, causing a gradual buildup of fluid and pressure in the eye. The exact cause of this buildup is unknown.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
This type of glaucoma can be a medical emergency. This occurs when the drainage duct is completely blocked, which can create a sudden increase in eye pressure.
Possible causes include:
- Cataracts
- Medications (including antidepressants, antihistamines, or cold medications)
- Ectopic lens
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Eye inflammation
- Tumors
- Narrow blood vessels to the eye
Glaucoma in children
Glaucoma is rare in children, but it can happen. Most children who have glaucoma are diagnosed before six months of age.
In some cases, glaucoma in children might be the result of genetics. It can also be caused by eye injury, eye surgery, or certain medications (like steroids).
Normal-tension glaucoma
This type of glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve becomes damaged even when there’s normal pressure in the eye. The exact cause is unknown, but it might be related to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.
Pigmentary glaucoma
This type of glaucoma occurs when pigments build up in the iris, the colored part of the eye. Pigment granules can block drainage channels, which may affect the aqueous humor from properly exiting the eye.
This blockage can cause “tunnel vision,” which makes it harder to see objects that aren’t directly in front of you. This condition is most common in males in their 30s and 40s.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
Some individuals may be at a higher risk of developing glaucoma than others. Common risk factors include but are not limited to:
- Age 40 or older
- Family history of glaucoma
- Migraines, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Being of Asian, Hispanic, African descent
- Eye injury
- Thinning of the optic nerve
- Thin corneas
- Nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Long-term use of corticosteroids
Your eye doctor can explore your unique risk factors with you in more detail.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
You can get a glaucoma diagnosis by undergoing a thorough eye exam. During this exam, your eye doctor will dilate your eyes and do the following:
- Photograph the eye’s optic nerve and inspect it for damage
- Inspect your eye’s drainage angle and whether it’s open, closed, or partially blocked
- Measure eye pressure
- Measure the cornea’s thickness
- Test your vision, including special tests to measure peripheral vision
Your eye doctor will also want to review your family health history to understand your unique risk factors.
Glaucoma Complications
If glaucoma goes undetected or untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness. Glaucoma is a progressive disease and will continue causing symptoms like eye pressure, headaches, and eye pain, which may interfere with daily activities.
Glaucoma Treatment
There is no cure for glaucoma. However, treatment options can help to slow vision loss or preserve your vision. This is why it’s important to have regular eye exams and catch glaucoma early.
With a timely diagnosis, your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops such as bimatoprost or timolol. These eye drops may help to ease eye pressure and reduce the amount of aqueous fluid your eyes produce. Medications may also help to improve fluid drainage.
Surgery is another option to slow the progression of glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist may recommend one of two surgeries:
- Iridotomy. For angle-closure glaucoma patients, iridotomy creates a small hole in the iris to help fluid drain.
- Trabeculoplasty. For open-angle glaucoma, a laser procedure improves the drainage angle, resulting in reduced eye pressure.
No medication is without side effects, and no surgery is without risks. Talk to your ophthalmologist to explore your options.
Glaucoma Prevention
While glaucoma may not be entirely preventable, you can take several proactive steps to reduce contributing factors and improve the chances of early detection.
- Eat a healthy diet. Diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure may increase your risk of glaucoma, so prioritize healthy foods to reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
- Know your family’s health history. Know your current risk factors for developing glaucoma so you can get more frequent screenings.
- Protect your eyes during risky activities. Eye injuries can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports, using power tools, or engaging in other risky activities.
- Get routine eye exams. Eye exams can help spot potential problems like glaucoma early on so you can start treatment and slow the progression.
Regular monitoring and protective measures are critical to maintaining eye health and reducing the impact of glaucoma.
Get the Lowest Price for Glaucoma Medications
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, BidRx can help you get your prescription medications at the lowest prices. Create an account and let pharmacies compete for your business. Visit our medication page to get started.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication.
