Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure of the fluid in the eye is abnormally high in most cases that it causes damage to the optic nerve. The result is nerve fiber destruction and partial or complete loss of vision. Initially, eye drops and/or medications are prescribed to lower the fluid pressure in the eye. If medications fail to reduce the pressure, laser or other surgery may be necessary to open up the drainage channel. Some cases have normal or near normal eye pressures.

Did You Know?

• Glaucoma is one of the most common major eye disorders in people over age 60.

• It is responsible for 15 percent of blindness in adults in the United States.

• Chronic glaucoma often causes no symptoms until late in the disease when it has already caused severe and irreversible damage to vision.

• It is usually detected only by regular, routine eye examinations.

• Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent visual impairment caused by glaucoma.

• That some asthma inhalers and cortisone-containing medications can dangerously increase eye pressures.

It is worth repeating that early diagnosis and treatment are the most important factors in preventing visual impairment from glaucoma. So, don't put off your regular, routine eye exams just because you have no symptoms especially if there is a family history of the disorder or you are taking any cortisone-containing medications.