Glaucoma Causes
Glaucoma is an eye disease that most often develops after the age of 60. It is believed to be hereditary, and there have been several genes identified that relate to the development of high internal eye pressure. The condition causes a buildup of fluid in the front part of the eye, which increases the pressure in the eye. When the pressure increases, it causes damage to the optic nerve.
Once this damage occurs, it cannot be reversed. Therefore, it is extremely important to get your eye pressure tested on a yearly basis by visiting {PRACTICENAME). This test is painless and relatively fast. It is either performed by blowing a puff of air into your eye or by touching a pen-like device to the front of your eye. If the latter test is used, numbing eye drops will be placed into your eyes in order to reduce discomfort.
Glaucoma Types and Symptoms
There are two types of glaucoma, including open-angle and closed-angle. In order to understand these two types, it’s important to understand how the fluid flows through the front of the eye. Your eyes create fluid that circulates internally. Once the circulation process is complete, it drains through an opening between the iris and cornea, called the trabecular meshwork. When the trabecular meshwork becomes partially or completely clogged, it results in higher than normal eye pressure.
Open-Angle
Most individuals have open-angle glaucoma. This occurs when the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked. The decreased flow of fluid results in a gradual increase in eye pressure. The increase is usually so slight that individuals can have significant vision loss before they realize there is a problem. There are typically no other symptoms associated with this form of the disease.
Closed-Angle
Closed-angle glaucoma typically occurs after open-angle glaucoma. This stage of the eye disease is characterized by the complete closure of the trabecular meshwork. The closed-angle form is much more dangerous and can be considered an emergency situation. If your vision suddenly becomes blurry, have a sudden severe headache, eye pain, nausea or halos or colors around lights, it is important to call our office immediately to prevent blindness.
Risk Factors for Increased Eye Pressure
- 60 Years of Age or Older
- Have a History of Eye Surgery
- Have a Previous Eye Injury
- Having Extreme Nearsightedness or Farsightedness
- High Internal Eye Pressure
- Other People in the Family Have High Eye Pressure
Treatments for High Intraocular Eye Pressure
Glaucoma can be treated, and the inner pressure in your eye can be reduced in order to prevent damage to your optic nerve. Common treatments include medications and/or laser eye surgery, Scott S. Weissman, MD will determine what type of treatment is needed.
Eye Medications
The most common treatment used to reduce internal eye pressure is daily eye drops. These eye drops can either decrease the amount of fluid the eye produces, or they can increase the flow of fluid through the trabecular meshwork.
Laser Eye Surgery
If the eye drops fail to adequately reduce the internal pressure in the eye, laser eye surgery may be needed. This surgery involves either opening the trabecular meshwork or creating a very small hole in the iris to increase fluid drainage.
To schedule your next eye exam to have your vision tested and to check for signs and symptoms of glaucoma, call us today at (212) 750-2444.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It has no symptoms in its early stages, but can gradually rob you of your sight.
As light enters your eye through your cornea, it projects an image onto the retina at the back of your eye. The optic nerve transmits this image to your brain.
When your optic nerve is damaged, it leads to vision loss. Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that increase the pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure), damaging your optic nerve. Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million men and women in the United States and can result in blindness.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma, doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages. Over time, though, it causes patchy blind spots in your center or peripheral vision. As the disease gets worse, you can experience tunnel vision.
Acute-angle glaucoma causes a sudden onset of these symptoms:
- Intense eye pain
- Eye redness
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
Acute-angle glaucoma requires immediate medical attention. If you suddenly experience these symptoms, seek urgent or emergency medical care.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma tends to run in families. Additional factors that increase your risk of developing glaucoma include:
- Being 60 or older
- Having diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure
- Being extremely near- or farsighted
- Suffering eye injuries
- Using corticosteroid medications
If your ethnic heritage is African, Asian, or Hispanic, you’re at increased risk of developing the condition.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Dr. Weissman uses cutting-edge diagnostic technology like optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses light waves to create pictures of your retina; pachymetry, which measures intraocular pressure beneath your cornea; and visual field testing, to detect blind spots in your vision.
Because glaucoma doesn’t usually affect your vision in its early stages, Dr. Weissman includes a glaucoma screening during your annual eye exam.
How is glaucoma treated?
Dr. Weissman has extensive experience treating glaucoma. After diagnosing glaucoma, he can provide same-day treatment if needed. Treatments include:
- Eye drops
- Oral medications
- Laser therapy
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Eye surgery
To schedule a routine eye exam that includes a glaucoma screening, or if you think you already have glaucoma, call the office of Scott S. Weissman, MD, or book an appointment online today.