What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease which is associated with a dangerous build up of pressure in the eye. Eventually, this pressure can damage the optic nerve which is responsible for relaying visual information to the brain. If Glaucoma goes untreated, peripheral vision will begin to decrease and can eventually cause total blindness. Fortunately, medical advances have made it easier to diagnose and treat glaucoma. If detected and treated early, glaucoma need not cause even moderate vision loss. But having glaucoma does mean regular monitoring and treatment for the rest of your life.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Slow loss of peripheral, or side vision, and eventual blindness. Chronic Glaucoma has NO warning symptoms in its early stages. In later stages, symptoms may include frequent mild headaches, especially upon waking; increased difficulty with night vision; recurring redness in one or both eyes, especially if accompanied by blurred vision and/or pain; a frequent change of eyeglass prescriptions; a noticeable loss of peripheral vision.
Quick Facts
- Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness
- 50% of the 3 million Americans suffering from Glaucoma will have some vision loss due to Glaucoma
Glaucoma Diagnosis
Tonometer
Measures eye pressure by pressing against the surface of the eye or blowing a puff of air at the eye.
Visual Field Test
Determines if there are any blind spots by testing your peripheral vision.
Ophthalmoscopy
Used to view internal eye structure to determine if anything unusual is preventing proper drainage.
Corneal Hysteresis (CH)
An assessment of the cornea’s ability to absorb and dissipate energy and has been shown to be independently predictive of progression in glaucoma. This test is different from corneal thickness or topography, which are geometrical attributes.
Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Used to determine how well fluid flows through the various drainage areas of the eye.
Pachymetry
Uses an ultrasonic wave to determine the thickness of the corneas.
Gonioscopy
Used to examine the anterior chamber angle, the portion of the eye that directs aqueous humor (the fluid produced by the eye).
