Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. The disease can eventually lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. In fact, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition, but there are a number of treatments that can slow or stop the damage.
Who has glaucoma and who’s at risk for it?
Over 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, yet half of those 3 million are unaware that they have it. 120,000 people in the United States are blind due to glaucoma. In total, 60 million people worldwide suffer from the condition.
African-Americans appear to be most at risk from glaucoma–they’re 6 to 8 times more likely to have the disease than Caucasians, and 15 times more likely than Caucasians to have visual impairment as a result of the condition. But Hispanic people are also more likely than Caucasians to have glaucoma and resulting vision loss. It’s estimated that by 2050, half of people who suffer from glaucoma will be Hispanic or Latino.
But no matter your race or ethnicity, you’re considered at risk for glaucoma if you’re over 60 years old, have diabetes, or have a family history of glaucoma.
Symptoms of glaucoma
Glaucoma doesn’t have any symptoms initially. But as the disease progresses, you may find that your vision is changing. Eventually, these changes will become worse, resulting in partial vision loss. As soon as you notice these disturbances in your vision, you’ll need to see an eye doctor to take the next step.
Diagnosing and treating glaucoma
Once you’ve made an appointment with your eye doctor, he or she will dilate your eyes using drops and then examine your eyes for the presence of glaucoma. Your peripheral (side) vision will also be tested.
If the diagnosis is positive, your doctor may recommend a few different treatment options for your glaucoma. Treatments for the disease include laser treatment, surgery, or eye drops.
The most common glaucoma treatment is prescription eye drops, which reduce the pressure of the fluid in your eyes and prevent the optic nerve from being damaged. But your doctor may also suggest laser treatment, where lasers are used to drain fluid from the affected eye(s). Although the word “laser” may suggest a complex procedure, the treatment is actually very simple and side effects are minimal. Finally, eye surgery is usually done if eye drops and laser treatment don’t work. There are several types of surgery, which your doctor will elaborate on.
Preventing glaucoma
If you don’t yet have glaucoma, or your glaucoma is in its early stages, there are things you can do for your eye health. Regular exercise, for example, can reduce the pressure in your eyes, slowing vision loss. If your doctor has prescribed eye drops, using them regularly is important, even if you have no symptoms of glaucoma. And getting regular eye exams can prevent vision problems and eye damage in the future.
Although glaucoma is a serious condition, early detection and prevention is crucial to stop the disease from progressing. If managed properly, those with glaucoma can lead long, healthy lives with minimal impact on their vision.
Written by Natan Rosenfeld