Have you ever considered how often you rely on your peripheral vision in daily activities? Whether you're driving, biking, walking, or moving through a crowd, your side vision plays a crucial role. However, even if your eyes seem healthy and you don’t notice any vision issues, you could still have glaucoma—a disease that specifically affects your peripheral vision.
You might be wondering, “How can that be?” Much like high blood pressure, glaucoma can develop quietly, without any noticeable symptoms at first.
In this article, we’ll explore what glaucoma is, who is most at risk, and how it can be managed.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eyes and brain that allows you to see. This damage impairs the ability to transmit visual information, ultimately affecting your vision.
Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma typically begins by gradually diminishing peripheral vision, making it seem as though you’re looking through an ever-narrowing tunnel. Since the progression is slow and painless, many people don’t realize their vision is deteriorating until significant, irreversible damage has already occurred.
What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is that it usually develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection and management. Early intervention can help slow or even halt the progression, preserving as much vision as possible.
Who is at risk of developing glaucoma?
Though the precise cause of glaucoma is still unknown, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including:
Age: The risk of glaucoma rises significantly after the age of 60, though it can develop earlier.
Family history: A family history of glaucoma increases your risk, suggesting a genetic component to the disease.
Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP): High pressure inside the eye is one of the most common risk factors and can lead to optic nerve damage over time.
Increased cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio: This refers to structural changes in the optic nerve, where the "cup" in the center of the nerve enlarges, indicating possible nerve damage.
Ethnicity: People of African American, Asian, or Hispanic descent are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and it may progress more rapidly in these groups.
Understanding these risk factors can help guide early detection and prevention strategies, particularly for individuals in higher-risk categories. Regular eye exams are crucial in catching glaucoma early, especially since it often progresses without noticeable symptoms.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation that includes the following assessments:
Intraocular pressure (IOP): Measuring the pressure inside the eye, as elevated IOP is a key risk factor for glaucoma.
Optic nerve examination: Evaluating the optic nerve for signs of damage, such as increased cupping or structural changes.
Anterior chamber angles: Assessing whether the angles where the iris meets the cornea are narrow or closed, which can indicate certain types of glaucoma.
Optic nerve thickness (OCT): Using Optical Coherence Tomography to measure the thickness of the optic nerve, as thinning can be an early sign of glaucoma.
Visual field testing: Identifying any peripheral vision loss, a hallmark symptom of glaucoma.
At Northlake Eye, we perform full glaucoma workups that encompass all of the testing listed above.
How is glaucoma managed?
If you're diagnosed with glaucoma, the primary goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment and management options include:
Glaucoma eye drops: These are the most common form of treatment and work by either reducing the production of fluid in the eye or improving its drainage, thus lowering IOP.
Laser surgery: Procedures like laser trabeculoplasty help increase fluid drainage from the eye, reducing IOP without the need for invasive surgery.
Trabeculectomy: A surgical procedure where a small flap is created in the eye to allow excess fluid to drain, helping to reduce eye pressure.
Glaucoma implant surgery: Involves placing a small drainage device (implant) in the eye to help control IOP by facilitating fluid drainage.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): A newer, less invasive approach that offers faster recovery times and fewer risks, making it a popular option for early-stage glaucoma management.
At Northlake Eye, we tailor treatment plans based on the severity of your glaucoma and your individual needs, ensuring the best possible care for preserving your vision. Regular follow-up visits are essential for monitoring disease progression and adjusting treatments as needed.
Concerned you may have or be at risk of having glaucoma?
Schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors of optometry today!
Give us a call or simply schedule online: Northlake Mall | Concord Mills | Biltmore Park | Asheville Mall
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