Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight because it can damage vision substantially before patients notice anything wrong. Catching it early is the single most important step in protecting long-term vision.
What Glaucoma Does
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually but not always related to elevated pressure inside the eye. As nerve fibers die, peripheral vision narrows first, often without warning.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops slowly and painlessly. Drainage of fluid from the eye becomes inefficient, pressure rises gradually, and the optic nerve is damaged over years.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This less common form can occur suddenly, producing severe eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and halos around lights. It is a medical emergency requiring immediate care to prevent permanent vision loss.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Some patients develop glaucoma despite eye pressures in the normal range. Vascular factors, autoregulation issues, and structural sensitivity of the optic nerve all appear to play roles.
Risk Factors
Age over 60, family history, African or Hispanic heritage, high eye pressure, thin corneas, and conditions like diabetes increase risk. Comprehensive eye exams every one to two years are particularly important for these groups.
Treatment Options
Treatment aims to lower eye pressure and protect the remaining optic nerve. Options include daily eye drops, laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty, and surgical interventions for more advanced disease. Adherence to drops is the most common challenge. For detailed glaucoma information, the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers reliable patient resources.
