Eye Care

Glaucoma

Summary

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that affect the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States and worldwide. It is the leading cause of blindness in working–age African–Americans.

Glaucoma can affect one or both eyes. It typically involves gradually increased pressure inside the eye.  It usually is painless and has no other signs or symptoms. Any damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, but diagnosis and treatment can avert further loss of vision. There is also an acute form of glaucoma that is sudden, painful and a medical emergency.

There is an increased risk of glaucoma in people over age 60, diabetes patients, people with a family history of glaucoma and certain racial groups. Other risk factors include eye injury and use of corticosteroid drugs.

Early detection and treatment can minimize or prevent eye damage. Tests to detect glaucoma include the dilated pupil examination and tonometry (a measure of pressure inside the eye). Prescription eye drops can reduce the risk of developing glaucoma by about half. Other medications, laser therapy and open surgery may also be options for treatment.

About glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases affecting the optic nerve in one or both eyes. It usually, but not always, involves increased pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can impair vision or lead to blindness, but early detection and treatment can prevent serious damage.

Each optic nerve contains about 1.2 million nerve fibers in a cable–like structure that connects the retina to the brain. When the nerve fibers are damaged, the nerve impulses to the brain are thwarted and blind spots develop. Peripheral (side) vision can be reduced so that a person experiences tunnel vision. If untreated, the disease destroys the optic nerve and blindness results.

There is a space in the front of the eye called the anterior (front) chamber. It is filled with aqueous humor, a clear liquid containing nutrients. This fluid needs to flow freely in and out of the chamber to nourish the surrounding tissues. There is an angle where the cornea (clear tissue over the front of the eye) and iris (colored part of the eye around the pupil) meet. Here the fluid drains through the trabecular meshwork (a spongy drain) and leaves the eye. If the fluid passes through too slowly, pressure builds. This pressure against the blood flow to optic nerve is believed to damage the nerve and destroy vision.

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