lee eye institute

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve, which in turn causes peripheral vision loss.

The eyeball is filled with fluid. There is aqueous humor between the cornea and the lens, and there is vitreous humor between the lens and the retina. These eye fluids, which are comprised of mostly water, apply a certain amount of pressure to the eyeball, which allows the eye to maintain a certain shape.  This maintenance of shape is important for oculomotor muscles that allow us to move our eyes.

Sometimes, the pressure on this fluid increases.  This increase in intraocular pressure, or pressure within the eye, is sometimes called ocular hypertension.  Over time, this added pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve.  This can cause vision loss that is permanent.

The great danger about glaucoma is that early symptoms are subtle and often unnoticeable. This is why glaucoma is referred to in the ophthalmology industry as "The Silent Thief of Sight".

Glaucoma causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision that can easily avoid patient awareness.  This vision loss is permanent, so early detection and treatment of glaucoma is paramount to maintaining good vision.

Increased ocular pressure, or ocular hypertension, is the greatest risk factor for glaucoma. Age and family history are also risk factors.

Ethnicity, too, is known to be a risk factor.  Many East Asian groups are more prone to having glaucoma.  Inuits in particular are known to have a much higher chance of getting glaucoma.

Regular screenings for glaucoma are highly recommended, because the early stages are asymptomatic.  An ophthalmologist can measure ocular pressure, dilate the eyes, and perform a few simple noninvasive tests to check for glaucoma.

There are three basic ways to treat glaucoma.

Glaucoma medication generally involves a regimen of prescription eye drops to lower or stabilize ocular pressure.

Laser treatment is a viable option for some patients to allow drainage in the eye's trabecular meshwork.

Surgery for glaucoma can be a relatively simple procedure.  Often times, the eye is anesthetized locally, and a tiny puncture is made in the sclera, which is the white part of the eye.

There are a few forms of glaucoma, and the appropriate treatment option may depend on the type of glaucoma detected.  Your ophthalmologist can help you decide which treatment option is best to manage your glaucoma.