Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the pressure
inside the eye may or may not be elevated. If untreated, vision loss or
blindness may occur.
At the front of the eye, there is a small space called the anterior
chamber. Clear fluid flows in and out of the chamber to bathe and
nourish nearby tissues. In glaucoma, for still unknown reasons, the
fluid drains too slowly out of the eye. As the fluid builds up, the
pressure inside the eye rises. Unless this pressure is controlled, it
may cause damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye and loss
of vision.
At first, there are no symptoms. Vision stays normal, and there is
no pain. However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may
notice his or her side vision gradually failing. That is, objects in
front may still be seen clearly, but objects to the side may be missed.
As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness
results.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, an eye
disease that is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and
the number one cause of blindness in Blacks. Although early treatment
can substantially reduce the likelihood of severe vision loss or
blindness, many people at higher risk for blindness from glaucoma are
unaware of the importance of early detection, or are not having their
eyes examined on a regular basis for the disease. Increased public
awareness of the potential benefits of a regular, comprehensive eye
examination with dilated pupils is crucial to reduce the enormous
social and personal costs of open-angle glaucoma.
Although open-angle glaucoma cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled. The most common treatments are:
- Medications - These may be either in the form of eyedrops or
pills. Some drugs are designed to reduce pressure by slowing the flow
of fluid into the eye. Others help to improve fluid drainage. - For most people with glaucoma, regular use of medications will
control the increased fluid pressure. But, these drugs may stop working
over time. Or, they may cause side effects. - If a problem occurs, the eye care professional may select other
drugs, change the dose, or suggest other ways to deal with the problem. - Laser Surgery - During laser surgery, a strong beam of light
is focused on the part of the anterior chamber where the fluid leaves
the eye. This results in a series of small changes, which makes it
easier for fluid to exit the eye. Over time, the effect of laser
surgery may wear off. Patients who have this form of surgery may need
to keep taking glaucoma drugs. - Surgery - Surgery can also help fluid escape from the eye and
thereby reduce the pressure. However, surgery is usually reserved for
patients whose pressure cannot be controlled with eyedrops, pills, or
laser surgery.
