What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. It can develop gradually over time with little to no symptoms, but if left unaddressed this condition can cause permanent vision loss and blindness.

There are several types of glaucoma, all caused by an increase in eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Your eyes are filled with fluid, and if this fluid doesn't drain properly, it can build up and create pressure in the eye. Over time, that pressure can compress and damage your optic nerve fibers. If these fibers are permanently damaged and die off, it can lead to blurred vision or even permanently losing vision in those areas. Learn more from the eye doctors at Nationwide Vision about different types of glaucoma and treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Most forms of glaucoma develop slowly over time, and you may not notice any symptoms at all. In time, you may have subtle vision changes or lose vision, but these may not necessarily raise any red flags.

The most common symptoms of glaucoma include: 

• Vision loss, especially on the side of your eyes and toward the center of your nose

• Halos of light in your field of vision

• Blurry or cloudy vision

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam at Nationwide Vision can help identify any eye conditions or diseases you might have.

One type of glaucoma — angle-closure glaucoma — can come on quickly and requires immediate treatment. Intense eye pain, or eye pain that occurs alongside nausea or upset stomach, is common with this type of glaucoma. If you experience these symptoms with any vision loss, red eyes, or blurry vision, seek medical attention right away.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

The doctors at Nationwide Vision treat glaucoma with a variety of therapies including medications, laser therapy, and surgery. Eye drops are the most common medications used to treat glaucoma, and these can work in two ways. One type of eye drop works to lower eye pressure by helping more fluid drain from your eye. Another group of medications works by reducing the amount of fluid your eye makes to begin with. These eye drops must be used every day, and your doctor may add oral versions if you need more relief. Side effects of these medications can include things like:

• Headaches

• Stinging, itching, burning or redness in your eye

• Dry mouth

• Blurry vision

Your doctor may also need to perform laser therapies or surgeries to help fluid drain from your eye. This is usually done by making a small hole for fluid to drain from or by inserting a tiny drain to help fluid move out of your eye. With any of these treatments, there is a chance that they may need to be repeated in the future if fluid continues to build. Learn more about treatment options from Nationwide Vision.

Living with Glaucoma

There is no way to prevent glaucoma, and the exact cause of this group of diseases is unknown. Glaucoma does tend to run in families. There are several risk factors associated with the condition, including:

• Age 60 or higher

• African American and Hispanic descent

• Family history of glaucoma

• Diabetes

• Eye inflammation

• Heart problems

• High blood pressure

• Eye injuries

• Cornea disorders

• Retinal problems

• Prolonged corticosteroid use

Regular eye exams are an important part of your overall eye health, and they can help identify problems like glaucoma early. There is no cure for this condition, but early treatment may help you avoid total vision loss.