Glaucoma Awareness

Articles

Jan 1

During the month of January, we join in spreading awareness about glaucoma. Most people have heard of glaucoma but may not be aware of how it affects your eyes. Typically, glaucoma is not detected without a dilated eye exam from your optometrist. Because glaucoma has no warning signs, it can occur rather unexpectedly. As the leading cause of blindness and of vision loss in the United States, it is important that individuals are aware of the need for comprehensive screening. While glaucoma is not curable, like many illnesses and diseases, it is preventable with early treatment plans.

What is Glaucoma?

Damage to the optic nerve in the back of your eye is what causes glaucoma to occur. This group of diseases cause vision loss due to the damage of the nerve. While the cause of glaucoma is unknown, it is thought to be related to high eye pressure. It occurs most commonly in those over 60 years old and can happen to anyone, especially to those with a family history of the disease.

When glaucoma starts, most people will not recognize any immediate symptoms. Because it is not detectable without a dilated eye exam, many people will not realize it occurs until after it is already progressing. The disease is progressive, with most individuals starting to lose their eyesight slowly over time, starting with their peripheral vision. As vision worsens, it can be difficult for individuals to detect the changes to their vision as it changes slowly over time and might be unnoticeable. Without treatment however, glaucoma does lead to increasingly worsening vision and eventually, blindness.

Although there are different types of glaucoma, the most common type is open-angle glaucoma. Nine out of ten individuals diagnosed with glaucoma in the United States are diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma. Scientists believe that open-angle glaucoma is related to fluid in the eye building up and not draining properly, causing increasing pressure on the optic nerve. Individuals with high blood pressure are also more likely to be diagnosed with this type of glaucoma.

How Is Glaucoma Detected?

Through a dilated eye exam, your optometrist can determine whether glaucoma is present. Regular comprehensive eye exams are critical for eye health and your best test to determine if any issues exist. If you are at a high risk for glaucoma (over 60), it is recommended that you have a comprehensive eye exam every one or two years.

A dilated eye exam is a simple process where your eye doctor administers eye drops to widen the pupil. It allows more light to enter the eye and helps you see the retina of your eye. The process is painless and it is the only way for your eye doctor to check for eye diseases or anything causing nearsightedness or farsightedness. While the exam is painless, it does alter your vision for a few hours and it is best to have a companion to drive you home afterward.

What is the Treatment for Glaucoma?

There are a few different ways doctors can help to treat glaucoma. Although there is no cure, there are procedures that may improve vision. Treatment for glaucoma is aimed at preventing further worsening of your vision instead of improving it. Typically, treatment is based on reducing eye pressure. Eye drops are one way doctors are able to help relieve eye pressure and prevent additional damage to the optic nerve. Lasers are another method doctors may use to drain fluid and reduce ocular pressure. Another option for some individuals would be surgery to drain or reduce fluid in the eye and remove the pressure from the optic nerve. Your doctor can recommend the best treatment plan for your specific needs.

Living with Glaucoma

If you have recently been diagnosed with glaucoma, it is imperative to heed the recommendations of your doctor and continue with a treatment plan consistently. Although it cannot be cured, it can certainly be managed and preventative care will typically help. Vision loss and low vision can be a difficult adjustment for some. Ask your healthcare professionals or therapists about assistive devices to manage low vision and maintain maximum independence. One of the most important things you can do is to maintain regular eye exams according to your healthcare providers recommendations. Encourage family and friends to talk with their eye doctor and schedule comprehensive eye exams if they are at risk or over 60.

Increasing Awareness

The best thing we can do to increase awareness about glaucoma in our communities is to learn more about it! Because this disease is preventable, it is so important that we continue to spread the word about the importance of regular eye exams and attention on eye health as we age. You can find many additional resources and visual representations of glaucoma to help you or others understand its impact on daily life from the National Eye Institute.

If you or a loved one are experiencing the effects of glaucoma in your daily life, contact the team at Tilton’s Therapy. Our skilled therapists can help address major life changes such as low vision impairment to give you the tools you need to maintain maximum independence in your life. Register a new patient today or contact us with questions you have about how we can help.