Frequently Asked Questions

Glaucoma

• What is Glaucoma
• Two most common forms of Glaucoma
  • Open-angle
  • Angle-closure
• How do I know if I am at risk for glaucoma?
• Is there anything I can do proactively to prevent glaucoma?
• Can glaucoma be treated?
• Does glaucoma testing take long?
• Does glaucoma testing hurt?
• What are the treatment options for glaucoma?

What is Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive ocular disease, which, results in irreversible damage to the optic nerve if left untreated. Fortunately, glaucoma is highly treatable. The key to preventing serious vision loss or blindness from glaucoma is early detection. However, many times, there are no signs or symptoms that the patient experiences until the late stages of the disease when a significant amount of damage is already done. Among other considerations, this is in part why annual fully dilated eye examinations are highly recommended for everyone.

There are several different kinds of glaucoma, but the two most common forms include:

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type that occurs in approximately 90 percent of those who suffer from the disease. It's caused by the pressure in the eye being too high, which results in permanent and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. If the condition continues to progress without intervention the visual field (or side vision) of that patient will decrease. Glaucoma often times will develop gradually and may be undetected for years without regularly schedule dilated eye exams, meanwhile slowly damaging vision often without any warning signs or symptoms that the patient would notice early in the disease process. Once glaucoma is diagnosed, often the first line of treatment is prescription eye drops which are prescribed to lower the eye's pressure. If the condition worsens and can no longer be maaged medically with eye drops then surgery is done to attempt to prevent further vision damage.

Angle-closure glaucoma, which usually happens more rapidly in the onset, affects less than ten percent of glaucoma patients. Symptoms occur suddenly and are much more severe, but vision can be preserved with prompt, effective treatment.

How do I know if I am at risk for glaucoma?

There are several segments of the general population are at risk for glaucoma. They include advancing age, particularly individuals over the age of 60; African Americans; siblings or children of glaucoma patients; people who are extremely nearsighted or farsighted; and patients with diabetes.

Is there anything I can do proactively to prevent glaucoma?

No, not specifically to prevent glaucoma itself. However, if glaucoma is detected early enough, the damage to the eye can be minimized and stabilized. The best way to detect it early is to have regular, dilated eye exams.

Can glaucoma be treated?

Yes. In fact, with early detection and treatment, serious vision loss or blindness from glaucoma can be prevented.

Does glaucoma testing take long?

No, in fact the tests for screening glaucoma are included as part of the routine eye exam at Advanced Eye Care Professionals.

Does glaucoma testing hurt?

No. The tests are painless and leave no after-effects. Results of the tests will be discussed by Dr. Rudser during your visit.

What are the treatment options for glaucoma?

Fortunately, there has been a significant amount of research, and there continues to be, for this particular eye disease. Currently, there are a number of highly effective treatment options available for glaucoma patients. Each patient's case can vary, but most patients are initially started on eye drops as the first line of treatment. Depending on the severity or stage of the disease or if the medical treatment (eye drops) are no longer controlling the disease sometimes further laser procedures or surgical intervention may be necessary. Fortunately, with early detection, most forms of glaucoma can be successfully treated and visual loss may be halted.

Visual perception photos above of ocular disease come from the NIH website.