Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. This increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. But blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment. Eye care experts get a lot of questions about glaucoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
Q: How is glaucoma diagnosed? Is an eye pressure test enough?
A: No. A single eye-pressure test by itself is not enough. The only sure way to diagnose glaucoma is with a full, comprehensive eye exam. Learn more about eye exams and vision testing.
Q: If my eye pressure is “normal,” could I still have glaucoma (or be at risk)?
A: Yes. Even if your intraocular pressure (IOP) is within the “normal” range (typically between about 10 and 20 mmHg), you can still develop glaucoma. Some people have “normal-tension glaucoma,” where optic nerve damage and vision loss occur despite normal eye pressure. Find out how eye pressure testing works.
Q: What kinds of treatments are available for glaucoma, and can they restore lost vision?
A: Treatment varies depending on your type of glaucoma, the severity, and how your eye responds. Learn about treatment options, including medicated eye drops, laser procedures, and in some cases surgery or drainage implants. These treatments can lower eye pressure to slow or stop further damage. However, any vision loss that’s already occurred cannot be reversed. So early detection and consistent treatment are key to preserving vision.
Q: If I’m diagnosed with glaucoma and treated, will I go blind? How likely is vision loss?
A: For many people who follow their treatment plan and maintain regular follow-up appointments, the risk of becoming legally blind is very low. Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because eye damage can begin without symptoms. But with early detection and proper care, most people avoid severe, disabling vision loss. Find out what to expect after a glaucoma diagnosis.
Q: How often should I get examined to detect glaucoma early (especially if I’m at risk)?
A: A comprehensive eye exam is your best chance to catch glaucoma early. Adults should have a complete eye exam around age 40, when early signs of eye disease often begin. If you have risk factors (family history, high eye pressure, certain health conditions, etc.), your ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent exams.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Some people have a higher than normal risk of getting glaucoma. This includes people who:
- have high eye pressure
- are farsighted or nearsighted
- have had an eye injury
- use long-term steroid medications
- have corneas that are thin in the center
- have thinning of the optic nerve
- have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, poor blood circulation or other health problems affecting the whole body
- are over age 40
- have family members with glaucoma
- are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
Talk with an ophthalmologist about your risk for getting glaucoma. People with more than one of these risk factors have an even higher risk of glaucoma.
Your Role in Glaucoma Treatment
Treating glaucoma successfully is a team effort between you and your doctor. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe your glaucoma treatment. It is up to you to follow your doctor’s instructions and use your eye drops.
Once you are taking medications for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to see you regularly. You can expect to visit your ophthalmologist about every 3 to 6 months. However, this can vary depending on your treatment needs.
If you have any questions about your eyes or your treatment, talk to your ophthalmologist. To schedule with an Eye Associates of South Texas glaucoma specialist, call (830) 379-3937. Source: aao.org
