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Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness.  Although glaucome is not preventable, it can be treated if detected early, according to the South Carolina Optometric Association.

“Although we can’t prevent glaucoma, regular visits to an eye care professional can greatly enhance the likelihood that glaucoma will be caught early and can be successfully treated,” commented Dr. Steve Wearden, a member of the South Carolina Optometric Association who practices in Manning, S.C., which has a high prevalence of glaucoma.

According to the AOA, glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that occur when internal pressure in the eye increases enough to cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to loss of nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss. The AOA’s annual Eye-Q® survey, which identifies attitudes and behaviors of Americans regarding eye care and related issues, showed that a large number of consumers do not know what glaucoma is and how severe the effects of the disease can be. Ninety-five percent of respondents did not know that glaucoma damages the optic nerve, and only 21 percent of respondents were aware that glaucoma causes deterioration of peripheral or side vision.

According to the AOA, there are two types of glaucoma. The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually and painlessly, usually without symptoms.  A rarer type, acute angle-closure glaucoma, occurs rapidly, and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, seeing colored rings around lights, and pain or redness in the eyes.

“As glaucoma progresses, a person may notice their side vision gradually failing,” said Wearden.  “When glaucoma remains untreated, people may miss seeing objects to the side and out of the corner of their eyes. Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral vision, making it seem as though they are looking through a tunnel. And vision lost to glaucoma cannot be recovered, so early detection and treatment is paramount.”

Anyone can develop glaucoma.  However, some people are at higher risk than others. They include:

·      African-Americans over age 40

·      Anyone age 60 and older, especially Hispanics

·      People with a family history of glaucoma

Since vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, the best way to detect glaucoma is in its early stages by having regular, comprehensive eye exams. A comprehensive exam should include dilating the eyes which allows a doctor to clearly see the retina, optic nerve and vessels in the back of the eye. The exam should also include a test to measure corneal thickness, eye pressure, and a visual field assessment to measure retinal function.

African-Americans and Hispanics are genetically more susceptible to glaucoma. Yet, 37 percent of African-Americans and Hispanics did not have their eyes dilated during their last eye exam, according to the American Eye-Q® survey. The AOA recommends eye exams every two years for adults under age 60 and every year thereafter. A doctor may recommend more frequent exams depending upon a patient’s medical or family history.

Treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and medicines to lower pressure in the eyes. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be effective in reducing pressure.