Q. My father is dealing with vision loss due to glaucoma. Is there any way I can prevent the same from happening to me?
A. Though millions of Americans have glaucoma, many don't even realize it. The fact that it often goes undiagnosed until it causes vision loss is what makes this condition so threatening. If you have a family history of glaucoma, regular eye exams are recommended.
What causes glaucoma?
It depends. Often, glaucoma occurs when pressure from a fluid we call "aqueous humor" damages the optic nerve. This fluid sits between the cornea and the iris, feeding nutrients to our eye. If too much aqueous humor is produced or it isn't draining properly, the increased pressure can cause nerve damage and vision loss.
Other cases of glaucoma may be connected to an increased sensitivity to normal eye pressure or blood flow issues within the eye. Whatever the case, if left untreated glaucoma can cause permanent eye damage. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially in the African-American and Hispanic populations.
Who gets glaucoma?
From babies to the elderly, anyone can get glaucoma, but we know there are key factors that can indicate who is most at risk for the condition. People most at risk include:
• African Americans over age 40
• Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
• People with a family history of glaucoma
Other factors that can influence a person's risk of glaucoma include:
• Previous eye injury
• Steroid medications
• Diabetes
• Nearsightedness
• High blood pressure
People with these risk factors should have their eyes regularly examined for glaucoma.
Is there a cure for glaucoma?
No, at this time no cure exists, and the vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, it is a very treatable disease, especially when detected in its early stages. This means that future vision loss can be prevented through proper management.
What are the early warning signs of glaucoma?
This is the problem. There are really no early warning signs of glaucoma. The actual symptoms occur once a person's vision is damaged. Many times, loss of peripheral vision is the first indication that damage has occurred. Most often, there is no discomfort or pain, though certain types of glaucoma can include blurry vision, halos from lights, eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Once the damage is done, it is basically irreversible; however, treatment can help prevent further vision loss from occurring.
Rather than waiting for symptoms to motivate a trip to the eye doctor, regular exams are your best defense. Exams can detect glaucoma before symptoms are present and before it causes permanent damage.
- As an ophthalmologist, Karen Bhaskar, MD, provides comprehensive eye care to all family members.
A. Though millions of Americans have glaucoma, many don't even realize it. The fact that it often goes undiagnosed until it causes vision loss is what makes this condition so threatening. If you have a family history of glaucoma, regular eye exams are recommended.
What causes glaucoma?
It depends. Often, glaucoma occurs when pressure from a fluid we call "aqueous humor" damages the optic nerve. This fluid sits between the cornea and the iris, feeding nutrients to our eye. If too much aqueous humor is produced or it isn't draining properly, the increased pressure can cause nerve damage and vision loss.
Other cases of glaucoma may be connected to an increased sensitivity to normal eye pressure or blood flow issues within the eye. Whatever the case, if left untreated glaucoma can cause permanent eye damage. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, especially in the African-American and Hispanic populations.
Who gets glaucoma?
From babies to the elderly, anyone can get glaucoma, but we know there are key factors that can indicate who is most at risk for the condition. People most at risk include:
• African Americans over age 40
• Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
• People with a family history of glaucoma
Other factors that can influence a person's risk of glaucoma include:
• Previous eye injury
• Steroid medications
• Diabetes
• Nearsightedness
• High blood pressure
People with these risk factors should have their eyes regularly examined for glaucoma.
Is there a cure for glaucoma?
No, at this time no cure exists, and the vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, it is a very treatable disease, especially when detected in its early stages. This means that future vision loss can be prevented through proper management.
What are the early warning signs of glaucoma?
This is the problem. There are really no early warning signs of glaucoma. The actual symptoms occur once a person's vision is damaged. Many times, loss of peripheral vision is the first indication that damage has occurred. Most often, there is no discomfort or pain, though certain types of glaucoma can include blurry vision, halos from lights, eye pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Once the damage is done, it is basically irreversible; however, treatment can help prevent further vision loss from occurring.
Rather than waiting for symptoms to motivate a trip to the eye doctor, regular exams are your best defense. Exams can detect glaucoma before symptoms are present and before it causes permanent damage.
- As an ophthalmologist, Karen Bhaskar, MD, provides comprehensive eye care to all family members.
