Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60. It is commonly referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because there are little to no symptoms in its early stage. This eye condition results from a buildup of intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by a blockage in the eye’s drainage system. There must be a balance between how much fluid is made and how much fluid is naturally drained out of the eye for the eye’s fluid system to function properly. When the system is functioning properly, eye pressure is at a normal level; therefore, the eye’s health is intact. When it is not functioning properly, pressure can build up that damages the eye’s optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. Glaucoma is typically classified into two types: open-angle and angle-closure.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, affecting nearly 3 million Americans. With open-angle glaucoma, the eye’s drainage canals appear to be open and functioning properly. However, it is only when looked at deeper that the blockage causing increased intraocular pressure is revealed. Primary open-angle glaucoma is like a clogged drain. The eye cannot drain fluid properly, causing a buildup of eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve.
At first, there are little to no visual symptoms for primary open-angle glaucoma, and it is typically painless. It is not until glaucoma has progressed that a patient will notice visual symptoms, such as loss of peripheral or central vision. At this point, vision loss cannot be restored. However, when caught early, glaucoma can respond well to medication.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is rare and a more serious type of glaucoma. If primary open-angle glaucoma is compared to a clogged drain, angle-closure glaucoma is akin to that of a drain being completely covered.
This type of glaucoma develops slowly. It is not until severe vision loss or an “acute attack” occurs that a patient will present symptoms. An acute attack is when the iris is not as wide or open as it should be. As the pupil enlarges, the iris bunches up and blocks the eye’s drainage canals. This leads to an intense build-up of intraocular pressure. Those suffering from an acute attack typically experience headaches, eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, halos, and rainbows around lights at night.
Treatments vary based on the severity and type of glaucoma detected. Overall, early detection by an ophthalmologist is key in slowing the effects of glaucoma. The following are those most at-risk for developing glaucoma:
- Adults over the age of 60
- Africans, Asians, or Hispanics over the age of 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- Nearsighted (myopic) or far-sighted (hyperopic)
- Steroid medication users
- Patients with elevated eye pressure
- Patients with a thin central cornea
- Recent eye injury
- Adults with diabetes or high blood pressure
Early detection of glaucoma is vital. So, it is imperative that you don’t miss your annual eye exams or visits to an ophthalmologist if necessary. They can determine an appropriate course of action based on your exam results. To schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified general ophthalmologists, Dr. Skolnick, Dr. Ilan Epstein, and Dr. De Castro, call our office at 954-741-5555.
