Glaucoma Part I
| Glaucoma Part I | |
| Date: January 7, 2007 | |
Glaucoma: The Second-Leading Cause of Blindness in the U.S. Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside the eye, referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP) becomes to high and results in damage to the optic nerve with subsequent vision loss. Another way to think of this is, your eye has pressure just like your blood, and when this intraocular pressure increases to dangerous levels it damages the optic nerve. This can result in decreased peripheral or side vision and eventually blindness. Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million Americans. Elsewhere in the world, glaucoma treatment is less available, and glaucoma along with cataracts ranks as the leading cause of blindness. There are two major types of glaucoma: chronic or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and acute closed-angle glaucoma. The average age of diagnosis of glaucoma is 54 years. It is estimated most patients have had glaucoma for 10 years prior to their diagnosis. Experts estimate over 50% of glaucoma patients are undiagnosed at this time. Glaucoma Signs and Symptoms Chronic open-angle glaucoma (primary open-angle glaucoma or POAG) is often called "the silent thief of sight" because you have absolutely no warning signs or hint that anything is wrong. Many people do not have annual eye exams which is why about half of Americans with chronic open angle glaucoma are undiagnosed. Glaucoma gradually reduces your peripheral vision, but by the time you notice it, permanent damage has already occurred. If your IOP remains high, destruction can progress until tunnel vision develops, and you are only be able to see objects that are straight ahead or in your central vision. Eventually if untreated total blindness occurs. Unlike open-angle glaucoma, an acute attack of narrow or closed-angle glaucoma produces sudden symptoms. Symptoms include eye pain, headaches, haloes around lights, dilated pupils, vision loss, red eyes, nausea and vomiting. These signs may last for a few hours, dissipate, and then return again later. Each attack takes with it part of your field of vision due to irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Other signs include headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty adapting to darkness. Chronic open-angle glaucoma normally develops after age thirty-five. Ten years ago doctors educated patients the incidence of glaucoma went up after the age of sixty. Today we advise patients the incidence goes up after the age of forty for two reasons. First of all, our ability to diagnose glaucoma with new technology and screening devices has allowed us to make earlier diagnosis. Secondly, the systemic health of Americans has contributed to an increase in the incidence of glaucoma. Specifically, vascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are all on the rise and have contributed to the increased number of glaucoma patients in the U.S. Less common types of glaucoma include Congenital glaucoma, Narrow angle glaucoma, Pigmentary glaucoma, Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, Inflammatory glaucoma and glaucoma secondary to trauma. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. In our next three Eye To Eye articles we will discuss the causes of glaucoma, risk factors, treatments, and new technology used for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Visit us next week for the updates. |
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