Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. It's a sneaky disease, often showing no symptoms until significant damage has already been done.

What are the Causes of Glaucoma?

The exact causes of glaucoma are not entirely understood, but it primarily occurs when the eye's drainage system becomes inefficient over time. This inefficiency leads to an increase in the eye's inner fluid (aqueous humor), subsequently raising eye pressure. The high pressure damages the optic nerve, which sends images to the brain.

For some, glaucoma develops without increased eye pressure - a subtype called normal-tension glaucoma. In such cases, reasons for optic nerve damage could be reduced blood supply or a susceptible optic nerve.

Secondary glaucoma results from an injury, inflammation, tumor, or in advanced cases of cataract or diabetes. Now that we know the causes let's identify the symptoms associated with glaucoma.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Often, glaucoma is a silent thief of sight, with symptoms not appearing until the disease is quite advanced. But when symptoms do occur, they may include patchy blind spots in peripheral or central vision, frequently in both eyes, and tunnel vision in the later stages.

In acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can be severe and sudden. They may include intense eye pain, nausea, vomiting, red eyes, very blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights. Recognizing these symptoms can lead to early detection.

The Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Several factors can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. These include age, with those over 60 at higher risk; a family history of glaucoma; medical conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and sickle cell anemia; physical injuries to the eye; and certain characteristics like thin corneas, severe nearsightedness, or an early change in glasses.

It's crucial to remember that having a risk factor does not necessarily mean you will get the disease. It just means the odds are higher. Regular eye exams can help monitor these risk factors and detect any early signs of glaucoma.

Eye Exams for Glaucoma Detection

Regular eye exams are vital for early detection of glaucoma before significant damage occurs. Most glaucoma tests focus on the inner eye pressure, the shape and color of the optic nerve, the complete field of vision, the angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea, and the thickness of the cornea.

These eye exams become increasingly important as you age, especially if glaucoma runs in your family. Early detection is key to preventing further damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Glaucoma

Diagnosis of glaucoma involves a comprehensive eye exam, which includes measuring intraocular pressure, inspecting the drainage angle of your eye, evaluating your optic nerve damage, and testing the visual field for each eye.

Treatment of glaucoma is focused on lowering eye pressure to a level that is less likely to further damage your optic nerve. This can be achieved through medication, laser treatment, or surgery. Unfortunately, the damage already done cannot be reversed, but further damage can be controlled.

Take Steps to Protect Your Eye Health Today

Glaucoma is a complex disease, often silent until significant damage is done. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and risk factors is crucial for early detection and prevention. Regular eye exams play a significant role in this process.

To learn more about the causes, symptoms and risk factors of glaucoma, contact Palo Alto Eyes Optometry at our office in Palo Alto, California. We provide quality eye care, convenient eye health services, and optometric expertise to all our patients. Call (650) 321-2015 to schedule an appointment today.