What is Glaucoma?

Share Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the major nerve of the eye called the optic nerve. - Abnormalities in the fluid dynamics of the eye causes a gradual increase of the intraocular pressure and this can lead to loss of vision.

At age 50 about 2% of the US population has glaucoma
This increases to 4% by age 70 and 24% for those over age 80
Between 2000 and 2020, the prevalence of blindness is expected to double

Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the major nerve of the eye called the optic nerve. Abnormalities in the fluid dynamics of the eye causes a gradual increase of the intraocular pressure and this can lead to loss of vision. The most common form of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma which affects about 3 million Americans. However, there are other types including narrow angle glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, normal tension glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma.

While anyone can develop glaucoma, there are some risk factors that increase the likelihood of having this disease. The factors are being over 60 years of age especially Mexican American, having a family history of glaucoma, and being of African American heritage over age 40.

Often people with glaucoma may not even know that they have it because at first it does not have any symptoms. However, if not treated, in time irreversible damage can be done to the optic nerve and vision. However, with early diagnosis the treatments can often protect against serious vision loss. It is recommended to have a dilated eye exam every two years to determine if one has glaucoma. Fortunately glaucoma can be treated with eye medications, lasers, and various surgical procedures. However, if glaucoma is not controlled it can cause debilitating loss of vision.

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