What You Need to Know About Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye disorders that have few initial symptoms but cause harm to the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually has higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye and will first cause loss of peripheral vision, and may eventually lead to blindness.

It is often called “The Silent Thief of Sight” because there are no warning signs. It affects more than 3 million people, but half are unaware. Catching symptoms early can slow or even fully prevent glaucoma and having a comprehensive eye exam every year is the best way to catch symptoms.

Optometrists will use a tonometer to measure your inter-ocular pressure. If your IOP is too high, your eyes are either producing too much fluid or not draining enough fluid. Eye Drops can help keep IOP’s at an acceptable level. If those fail, surgery might be necessary.

Types of Glaucoma

• Primary open-angle glaucoma, which is most common, will develop over time and not show any symptoms
• Angle-closure glaucoma, which is less common, but is a medical emergency that can cause vision loss within a day of onset
• Secondary glaucoma, which occurs as a result of an injury or other eye diseases
• Normal-tension glaucoma, which causes optic nerve damage even though the eye pressure remains in the “normal” range.

Are You At Risk?

Everyone should get checked out, but if you meet one or more of the criteria below, be sure to take extra care when talking to your doctor about the risks.

• Being over 60. If you are older than 60, you are six times more likely to have glaucoma.
• Family history. Glaucoma runs in the family, increasing chances by four to nine times.
• Steroid medication use. One study found that heavy use of inhaled steroids for asthma boosted risk by 40 percent.
• Ethnicity. African-Americans and Hispanics are six to eight times more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians.
• Eye injury. Even if it is only a black eye, eye injuries can cause glaucoma years after impact. Use protective eyewear for activities that may cause eye injury, such as sports like boxing or baseball or using power tools.

Dr. Tavel Patient Testimony

I believe [Dr Tavel] saved my husband’s eyesight by urging him to be tested further for Glaucoma even though the signs were slight. Best. Advice. Ever. The Glaucoma turned out to be much more advanced than it appeared. If the Greenwood staff hadn’t been as good as they are, the Glaucoma might have gone undetected and caused loss of vision. Instead, my husband got the needed surgery to prevent permanent damage.

Schedule An Eye Exam Today

Eye exams are important to measure and correct vision problems. Visiting your local Dr. Tavel regularly can help detect other eye problems. Early diagnosis and treatment could save your eyesight.