Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness if not detected and treated early. Having regular eye examinations and monitoring are very important in treating glaucoma.

Glaucoma is when the optic nerve becomes damaged. Fluid buildup in the eye because of blockage causes high pressures which can lead to loss of vision or blindness. People who most frequently have glaucoma have some of the following risk factors:

• Over 40 years old
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Nearsighted
• Diabetic

The categories of glaucoma are open angle and acute angle- closure and both are considered the "silent thief of the night" because of the gradual loss of vision. Open angle occurs painlessly with no visual disturbance and often goes undetected. Acute angle- closure glaucoma is painful, sudden and must be treated immediately to prevent vision loss. Some common symptoms of acute angle glaucoma are:

• Blurred vision
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Pain in the eye
• Redness in the eye

Being tested for Glaucoma early on can help detect and or prevent vision loss, Some tests that may be performed in detecting glaucoma during a regular eye examination:

• Tonometry -measures the pressure in the eye
• Ophthalmoscopy -observe the optic nerve in the back of the eye
• Visual Field Test- check for abnormal blind spots
• Pachymetry -measuring the corneal thickness
• Nerve Fiber Scan-evaluating for possible nerve fiber damage

Having regular eye examinations is the only way to protect your eyes from the "silent thief of the night", Don't let glaucoma sneak up on you, Promote your quality of life by seeing Dr, Lynch each year for a lifetime of good vision.