Early Detection of Glaucoma Prevents Blindness

     Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in impaired vision. When the optic nerve fails to transmit visual signals, it leads to a gradual loss of sight. Glaucoma patients typically experience "increased intraocular pressure," which is the primary cause of optic nerve damage.

Early Symptoms of Glaucoma

     In the early stages, glaucoma may show no noticeable symptoms. However, once the optic nerve is damaged by more than 40%, patients begin to experience vision loss, with their field of vision narrowing. Without treatment, optic nerve damage can progress slowly, eventually leading to blindness.

How Can You Know If You Have Glaucoma?

To diagnose glaucoma, the first step is to measure intraocular pressure (IOP). The doctor will examine the eye for signs of glaucoma, such as an enlarged optic nerve head, which occurs when the nerve is compressed or damaged. Additional tests may include:

• Visual Field Test To detect blind spots in the visual field, indicating whether the optic nerve is functioning properly.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) This scan uses infrared lasers to measure the thickness of the optic nerve fibers and assess the condition of the retinal cells involved in vision.
• Fundus Photography To observe the health of the optic nerve and retinal structures.

All of these tests provide critical information to determine whether a patient has glaucoma.

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

Risk factors for developing glaucoma include:

• High intraocular pressure (greater than 21 mmHg).
• Age (over 40 years).
• A family history of glaucoma.
• A history of eye injuries or previous eye surgeries.
• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Having a thinner than normal cornea.

     Glaucoma can affect individuals from infancy to old age, but the most common age group is people over 40. Individuals with high degrees of myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness) may also be at increased risk for glaucoma in the future.

Glaucoma Treatment

The goal of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. Once nerve fibers are lost, they cannot regenerate, so the focus is on slowing or halting the disease's progression. Treatment options include:

• Eye Drops These are often the first line of treatment to lower eye pressure.
• Laser Treatment Laser therapy can be combined with medication to help relieve pressure on the optic nerve.
• Surgery If medications and laser treatments are not effective in controlling eye pressure, surgery may be necessary to reduce intraocular pressure.

Doctors will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual, based on the severity and type of glaucoma.

The Ophthalmology Department Is Ready to Help

     Glaucoma can be highly dangerous to eye health if left untreated, potentially leading to permanent vision loss. In addition to regular eye health checkups, maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E can help protect vision. Avoiding direct sunlight and wearing sunglasses can also protect your eyes.

Individuals over 40, as well as those with the above-mentioned risk factors, should have their eye pressure and optic nerve health checked at least once a year. Regular screenings allow for early detection and timely intervention, which can help prevent irreversible vision loss.