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Tips on identifying symptoms of glaucoma and getting treatment
Chances are you may have heard of glaucoma, a chronic disease affecting the eye that can eventually lead to blindness. If this is the extent of your knowledge about this condition, you are not alone - an estimated 80 percent of Americans are unaware of the causes of glaucoma.
More than 3 million Americans have glaucoma today, but only half of those who have the disease have been diagnosed by a doctor. This is an unfortunate statistic as glaucoma accounts for up to12 percent of all cases of blindness in the U.S.
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, the disease can be effectively treated. In recognition of the National Glaucoma Awareness Month, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is offering the following information on how to identify the symptoms of glaucoma and seek treatment.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the result of a build up of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye, which constricts the optic nerve, causing nerve damage and eventual loss of sight. The pressure build up is caused by either improper fluid drainage in the front of the eye between the cornea and the iris, or because the eye is simply producing too much fluid.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Unfortunately, glaucoma is termed the "silent thief of sight" because there are virtually no recognizable symptoms. The increase in pressure is relatively painless in the eye, so sufferers may go for years without knowing they are at risk. Once pressure increases to the point of nerve damage, vision loss will begin with the peripheral or side vision. But this too may often go unnoticed because most people will turn their heads to compensate for the loss of peripheral vision, not realizing that any vision has been disrupted.
How do I know if I am at risk for glaucoma?
Everyone is at risk for developing glaucoma, but there are some factors that can be singled out as posing the greatest risk.
(African-Americans are 6-8 times more prone to glaucoma thanCaucasians
(Risk increases with age. It is recommended that people visit their eye doctors every two years for a complete examination - especially after the age of 35
(Those with a family history of glaucoma have a 4-9 times greater risk of developing glaucoma
(Diabetics have an increased risk of developing glaucoma
(Those with hypertension have a greater risk
(High-dose steroid use is a high-risk factor
(Trauma to the eye, such as being hit in the eye with a baseball, can sometimes cause glaucoma long after the event itself
(Those who are severely nearsighted possess a greater risk of developing glaucoma
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about being tested for glaucoma.
Is there a cure for glaucoma?
There is no known cure for glaucoma yet, but there are many preventative measures that one can take for early detection and early treatment. Regular eye exams and knowing your potential risk will allow you and your doctor to begin treatment in the early stages of the disease, therefore stalling the onset of blindness.
How is glaucoma treated?
There are two treatments to combat the effects of glaucoma. Typically, the first treatment used is beta-blocker eyedrops, which lower fluid production in the eye. Surgery is the second option, especially for those suffering from advanced stages of glaucoma. All surgeries are conducted to increase drainage in the eye and alleviate pressure.Neither the eyedrops nor surgery will be able to reverse the effects of any vision loss that has occurred, but they will help in the prevention and delay of any future vision loss. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, talk to your doctor about the best course of treatment.