Open angle glaucoma is a condition that causes vision loss. The disease affects the eye’s drainage system, and if left untreated it can eventually lead to blindness. Many people with this eye condition have no symptoms at first. They may only notice vision loss in the later stages of the disease. But if detected early, treatment can prevent or reverse the progression of the disease, preventing or minimizing vision loss.
Open-angle glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the trabecular meshwork, which is the drainage network within the eye. This can happen in one eye, or both eyes at once. When the drainage is blocked, ocular fluid can no longer circulate through the eye, causing an increase in pressure. As the pressure rises, it damages the optic nerve.
Early-stage primary open-angle glaucoma is usually asymptomatic, but when the disease progresses, the patient can experience severe eye pain, blurred vision, and eye headaches. In addition, he or she will have decreased peripheral vision. However, patients with advanced-stage glaucoma will experience tunnel vision, and will have nearly complete loss of peripheral vision. Atrophied optic nerves are also a symptom of this disease.
There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of glaucoma. Some of the most common ones are diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and a family history of glaucoma. These risks can be mitigated by regular screening, wearing protective eyewear, and maintaining a healthy weight. Other risk factors include race, ethnicity, and age. For instance, African Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians. People over 40 are also at higher risk. Hispanics and Asians are at greater risk as well.
Glaucoma is a common problem, affecting millions of people around the world. About 10 percent of people over the age of 70 have glaucoma. Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be the result of an overproduction of ocular fluid, which drains too slowly. It is important to monitor eye pressures regularly to identify the onset of glaucoma, and to seek medical attention if it becomes evident.
There are many treatment options for glaucoma. Surgical procedures are often used to reduce the flow of ocular fluid. Patients can also receive laser therapy, which targets the trabecular meshwork, and lowers eye pressure. Medications can be administered to lower the eye pressure as well. Several classes of eye drops can also be used.
Those who are at risk for glaucoma should schedule a regular screening with their ophthalmologist. They should also take note of their family’s medical history. If they have a history of diabetes or other systemic diseases, they should consult with their ophthalmologist to determine if they are at risk for glaucoma.
A dilated eye exam is recommended for all adults. Symptoms of glaucoma include headaches, eye pain, vision problems, and difficulty seeing at night. During an exam, specialized instruments are used to check for an open angle, which is a sign of atrophied optic nerve.
