January Is Glaucoma Awareness Month! Everything You Need To Know About Glaucoma

What To Know About Glaucoma

The Types Of Glaucoma

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. This is the most common form of glaucoma and it is caused by a lack of drainage in the eye, often caused by a blockage. When left untreated, this type of glaucoma can impair vision over time and often has no signs or symptoms, which is why it is called “the silent thief of sight.” 
• Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma. Also called closed-angle glaucoma, this type of glaucoma is fairly rare and is considered a medical emergency when it occurs, as it can cause vision loss within a day. Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked and fluid cannot drain, leading to immediate intense pressure within the eye. This form of glaucoma presents symptoms such as:
  • Eye pain
  • Severe headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurry or hazy vision
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Redness in the white of the eye (sclera)
  • Pupils of different sizes
  • Sudden loss of sight
• Secondary Glaucoma. Unlike other forms of glaucoma, this type has known causes, including injury to the eye, an infection or eye tumor, previous eye surgery, or side effects from eye abnormalities or medication. Secondary glaucoma is any type of glaucoma with an identifiable cause.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma. Also called low-tension or normal-pressure glaucoma, this type of glaucoma occurs when the eye has regular pressure levels but damage to the optical nerve still develops. The cause of this type of glaucoma is unknown.

How Glaucoma Is Detected

Since most forms of glaucoma present no symptoms, the only way to know if you are developing glaucoma is to get regular eye exams so the optometrist can check your optic nerve health. When you get an eye exam, your eye doctor will test the pressure of your eye using a tonometry test which directs a puff of air at the eye. You may also have to do a test that measures your field of vision. If glaucoma is suspected, other tests will be administered.

Risk Factors Of Glaucoma

• Age. While glaucoma can develop at any age, it is most common amongst those who are 60 and over
• Genetics. Those with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to develop it.
• Medical Conditions. Those with type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure tend to have higher rates of glaucoma.
• Eye Injury. This can lead to immediate secondary glaucoma.
• Corneal Thickness. People with thin corneas have a higher rate of glaucoma.
• Corticosteroid Use. The use of corticosteroids over an extended period can increase your chances of developing secondary glaucoma.

Get A Glaucoma Screening From My Optometrist

Since most forms of glaucoma do not present symptoms until damage to the eye has already begun, the best way to screen for glaucoma is to get regular eye exams. As a regular component of the eye exams conducted at My Optometrist, glaucoma screening is quick and easy with our professional staff. If there is any indication of glaucoma, the optometrist will administer follow-up glaucoma screenings to determine what type of glaucoma you are suffering from and how to effectively slow the progression. To schedule an eye exam at one of our three convenient locations in Health First in SE Calgary, Sunridge in NE Calgary, or Three Hills, AB, contact us by phone or through the online contact form.

FAQ

Q: Can glaucoma be cured?
A: There is no known cure for any damage inflicted on the optic nerve as a result of glaucoma, which is why it is so vital to diagnose it in the early stages so that the progression can be slowed.

Q: What are the treatments for glaucoma?
A: Glaucoma related eye damage can be deterred with the use of medicated eye drops, oral medication, and surgery.

Q: Can glaucoma lead to blindness and how long does it take?
A: Because it usually develops slowly, early-onset glaucoma can take about 15 years to cause blindness when left untreated. Since angle-closure glaucoma is a rapidly progressing form of the disease it can lead to blindness much quicker and must be addressed right away.