Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss if not detected and managed early. Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," it usually develops gradually, without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. At Eldredge EyeCare, we are helping patients take proactive steps to protect their vision.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. This damage is often caused by increased intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the eye. However, glaucoma can also occur in people with normal eye pressure. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible vision loss, starting with peripheral vision and potentially leading to blindness.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, with the most common being:

1. 1. Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most prevalent form of glaucoma, accounting for about 90% of cases. It occurs when the drainage canals in the eye become clogged over time, leading to increased IOP. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly and painlessly, often going unnoticed until significant vision loss occurs.
   
   

2. 2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type occurs when the iris (the colored part of the eye) is too close to the drainage angle, blocking fluid from draining out of the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma can cause a sudden increase in IOP, leading to symptoms such as severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and blurred vision. It requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision damage.
   
   

3. 3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma: In this form of glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged even though IOP remains within normal ranges. The cause is not fully understood, but it is believed that reduced blood flow to the optic nerve may play a role.
   
   

Early Signs of Glaucoma

One of the biggest challenges with glaucoma is that it often presents no symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. However, there are a few early signs to be aware of:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision

• Difficulty adjusting to dark rooms

• Blurred vision

• Halos around lights

• Redness in the eye

• Eye pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam immediately.

Regular Eye Exams for Early Detection

Because glaucoma progresses slowly and without early symptoms, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection. During these exams, your optometrist will measure your IOP, examine your optic nerve, and conduct visual field tests to check for any signs of vision loss. Early detection is key to preventing further damage, as vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed once it occurs.

At Eldredge EyeCare, we recommend that individuals over the age of 40, as well as those with a family history of glaucoma, schedule annual eye exams. People of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent are also at higher risk and should be vigilant about regular screenings.

How Glaucoma is Managed

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed effectively with early detection and proper treatment. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Common treatment options include:

• Prescription Eye Drops: These are often the first line of defense and work by either decreasing the production of fluid in the eye or improving drainage to lower IOP.
  
  

• Laser Therapy: Laser trabeculoplasty is a procedure that helps improve fluid drainage from the eye in open-angle glaucoma patients.
  
  

• Surgery: For more advanced cases, surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy or the implantation of drainage devices may be necessary to improve fluid drainage and lower IOP.
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With proper care, many glaucoma patients are able to maintain their vision and quality of life.

Protect Your Vision at Eldredge EyeCare

At Eldredge EyeCare, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care to help you detect and manage conditions like glaucoma. Dr. Bonnie brings years of expertise in diagnosing and treating glaucoma, ensuring her patients receive the highest quality of care to protect their vision. If you have concerns about glaucoma or are due for your next exam, contact us today to schedule an appointment today.