Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a collection of eye disorders that harm your optic nerve, a vital part of maintaining clear vision. This damage is frequently linked to elevated pressure inside your eye, known as intraocular pressure.

Over time, if untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide and often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams a must for early detection.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly and typically has no early symptoms. Vision loss often begins in your peripheral (side) vision and progresses inward. Because this happens so gradually, many people don’t realize they have it until they lose significant vision.

In contrast, angle-closure glaucoma can come on suddenly and is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms may include:

• Severe eye pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Eye redness

If you experience any of these sudden symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

What causes glaucoma?

The exact cause of glaucoma isn’t fully understood, but it’s usually related to increased pressure inside your eye. This pressure builds up when fluid in your eye (called aqueous humor) doesn’t drain properly. Some people have normal eye pressure but still develop glaucoma due to poor blood flow to the optic nerve or other factors.

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Age over 60
• Family history of glaucoma
• African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness

It’s a good idea to understand your risk factors so you and your eye doctor can take proactive steps to monitor your eye health and catch glaucoma early.

How is glaucoma treated?

While glaucoma can’t be cured, early treatment can slow or prevent vision loss. The goal of treatment at Hamilton Vistasite Eye Care is to lower intraocular pressure. Common treatments include:

• Prescription eye drops to reduce eye pressure
• Oral medications for additional pressure control
• Laser therapy, such as trabeculoplasty, to improve fluid drainage
• Surgical procedures to create new drainage pathways or relieve pressure

Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best defense against glaucoma. If you’re at risk or experiencing symptoms, talk to your Hamilton Vistasite Eye Care provider about glaucoma screening. Call or book an appointment online now.