eye health conditions

cataract | computer vision syndrome | diabetic retinopathy | dry eye
glaucoma | keratoconus | macular degeneration

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure in your eyes increases enough to damage the nerve fibers in your optic nerve and cause vision loss. The increase in pressure happens when the passages that normally allow fluid in your eyes to drain become clogged or blocked. The reasons that the passages become blocked are not known.

Noticeable symptoms of glaucoma may be a gradual loss of side vision or blurred vision. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over age 40. People with a family history of glaucoma, African-Americans, those who are very nearsighted, and diabetics are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, without symptoms. A more rare type occurs rapidly and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eyes.

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. That is why the American Optometric Association and Dr. Ni recommend annual eye examinations for people at risk for glaucoma. A comprehensive optometric examination will include a tonometry test to measure the pressure in your eyes; an examination of the inside of your eyes and optic nerves (done after your pupils are dilated with eye drops); and a visual field test to check for changes in central and side vision.

The treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops or oral medicines to lower the pressure in your eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.

With early diagnosis and treatment, patients with glaucoma can maintain perfect vision for a lifetime.