Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure in the eyes increases enough to damage the nerve fibers in the optic nerve and cause vision loss. The increase in pressure happens when the passages that normally allow fluid in the eyes to drain become clogged or blocked for unknown reasons. Noticeable symptoms of glaucoma may be a gradual loss of side vision or blurred vision

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. It most often occurs in people over age 40, people with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans, and those who are very nearsighted or diabetic.

 

The most common type of glaucoma develops gradually and painlessly, without symptoms. A rarer type occurs rapidly and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of side vision, seeing colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eyes.

 

Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but if diagnosed and treated early, it can be controlled. Vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, which is why the California Optometric Association recommends annual eye examinations for people at risk for glaucoma (your doctor may, depending on your condition, recommend more frequent examinations). A comprehensive optometric examination will include a tonometry test to measure the pressure in your eyes; an examination of the inside of your eyes and optic nerves and a visual field test to check for changes in central and side vision.

 

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