Glaucoma information page

Glaucoma

A major cause of vision loss in America.  It is a slow progressive optic atrophy characterized by loss of visual field and excavation of the optic nerve.  Open angle glaucoma affects 2.47 million Americans.  The vision loss is due to excessive pressure in the eye resulting from excess production or diminished outflow of fluids inside the eye.

 
Vision loss is very gradual and can become severe without the person recognizing it until there has been significant loss.  Three factors enter into the diagnosis of open angle glaucoma.  First, the pressure of the eye is measured with a tonometer.  Second, the appearance and health of the optic nerve is evaluated.  Third, a visual field test is performed to determine the amount of loss caused by the glaucoma. All three factors lead to a diagnosis of glaucoma.  The incidence of the disease increases with each decade of life, especially in individuals over 40 years old.  

A thorough eye examination is necessary to determine if a person has glaucoma.  Glaucoma is very treatable with a variety of medications.  Blindness rarely occurs due to glaucoma if it is managed properly.