January is Glaucoma Awareness Month
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma has been called “the sneak thief of sight” as it is an asymptomatic disease that causes progressive vision loss over time. Glaucoma is often associated with a painless increase in eye pressure, though it can occur without an increase in eye pressure. Those with glaucoma will have progressive and irreversible damage to their optic nerve that causes loss of peripheral vision. Unfortunately many patients will not notice that they are experiencing loss of vision until they’ve lost almost half their vision.
Treatment of glaucoma
The treatment of glaucoma focuses on reducing eye pressure to protect the structure and function of the optic nerve, which will in turn slow the rate of vision loss. This is done through the use of pressure lowering eye drops; laser and surgical procedures may also be used. Those with glaucoma require regular visits to their optometrist and ophthalmologist to carefully monitor their eye pressures, optic nerves, and visual field. The visits are important to assess the efficacy of the prescribed treatments and make any necessary changes.
Risk factors for glaucoma
There are several risk factors for glaucoma. Some of these risk factors include positive family history, thin corneas, nearsightedness, older age, and diabetes. Those of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent are also at increased risk. However it is important to note that those without associated risk factors can still develop the disease. Your optometrist will be able to assess your individual risk factors for glaucoma and may choose to monitor you more closely if indicated.
Due to the progressive and asymptomatic nature of glaucoma it can be difficult to diagnose without regular eye exams. An optometrist will look for increases in eye pressure, changes to the optic nerve, and visual field changes that occur over time. They may request special scans of the optic nerve and detailed visual field tests to further assess for glaucoma. If changes indicating glaucoma have occurred they will initiate treatment. These changes often go undetected without routine eye exams; your optometrist will be able to determine the recommended frequency of exams based on your personal health history and risk factors.
If you’re due for your eye exam or have any questions about your risk of glaucoma get in touch to book an appointment!
