The Facts About Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve in the eye, which can lead to vision loss. While there are different types of the condition, each is related to the pressure inside the eye. Most often glaucoma occurs later in life but it can affect people at any age. Vision loss related to glaucoma is permanent if unmonitored and treated. But with proper screenings and early diagnosis, damage can be slowed or prevented.

What are the risk factors for Glaucoma? 

• Family history of the condition

• Age 60+

• Black, Asian, or Hispanic heritage

• Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine, sickle cell anemia

• Thinner-than-average corneas 

• High internal eye pressure 

• Extreme nearsighted or farsightedness

• History of eye injury

• Long-term use of steroid medication

What can I do to prevent Glaucoma? 

• Get regular comprehensive eye exams with dilation for early detection 

• Know your family’s eye health history and share it with your eye doctor

• Exercise regularly to help reduce eye pressure

• Wear eye protection when using power tools or playing sports to avoid eye injury

What are the symptoms of Glaucoma?
Symptoms vary depending on the type and stage and, often, when symptoms do arise, it is late in the disease. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the following, seek medical care right away: 

• Tunnel vision, loss of peripheral or side vision

• Seeing halos around lights or unusual sensitivity to light

• Vision loss, especially if it happens suddenly

• Blind spots inside 

• Redness in the eye, which may be accompanied by pain

• Corneas that appear hazy or cloudy looking

• Nausea or vomiting, especially when also experiencing severe eye pain 

• Severe headache and eye pain