Junior Blind of America

Definition:
Glaucoma is a condition where the intra-ocular pressure of the eye causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in the loss of peripheral vision (side), contrast vision, color vision, and blurred sight. Glaucoma tends to be more common among adults over the age of 40 years of age and is more common among those who have family members with glaucoma. Glaucoma is a progressive disease and patients with uncontrolled glaucoma can become totally blind. Fortunately, treatments can slow the progression of vision loss. It is more prevalent among African-Americans.

Cause:
The eye contains a fluid called aqueous humor. This water-like substance is constantly produced and drained from the eye. When the aqueous humor is produced faster than it can be drained, the internal pressure of the eye increases and this damages the optic nerve. That damage characterizes glaucoma.

Characteristics:
Glaucoma is a multi-factorial, complex eye disease with specific characteristics such as optic nerve damage and visual field loss. Characteristics include:

• Fluctuating vision
• Peripheral field loss (side vision)
• Poor night vision
• Photophobia (very low tolerance of the eye for light, sometimes a symptom of disease or migraine)
• Pain or Headaches
• Eye redness

A person who has glaucoma may not realize it at first, because the disease often progresses with no symptoms or warning signs. Early detection through regular eye examination and prompt treatment is essential to prevent vision loss. Daily medication (usually eye drops); surgery, or a combination of both enables most people to control their intraocular pressure and retain their vision.

While symptoms do not initially occur, as the disease progresses, you can lose peripheral (side) vision and then forward vision. Some signs can be found only during an eye exam, such as increased pressure inside the eye and optic nerve abnormalities.

Regular checkups and vision exams are important to detect Glaucoma early and learn how to address this condition.