Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that involves damage to the optic nerve, which sends signals to the brain. No one knows exactly what causes this damage, but pressure buildup in the eye is one of the major risk factors associated with glaucoma. When the optic nerve is damaged by high intraocular pressure, some signals from the eye aren't transmitted to the brain. This can result in visual field loss and, if not managed, could eventually lead to blindness.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the U.S. However, most Americans may be unaware of it because glaucoma does not cause pain or have any noticeable symptoms. People who are at a greater risk for glaucoma usually have the following conditions:

• At least 45 years old without regular eye exams
• A family history of glaucoma
• Abnormally high eye pressure
• African descent
• Nearsightedness
• Diabetes
• Previous eye injury
• Regular, long-term use of cortisone/steroid products

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be detected early and controlled. To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity, visual field, dilate your pupils, and test the pressure in your eyes. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and will help to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.

A procedure called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is one of the greatest advances in the surgical treatment of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Prior to its introduction, medications and Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) were the Ophthalmologist's primary tools.  For more information about this procedure, click here

To see answers to frequently asked questions about glaucoma, click here.