Save Your Vision & Learn the Early Signs of Glaucoma

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Often referred to as “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Early symptoms develop gradually and can be very easy to miss, which explains why nearly 1.5 million Americans unknowingly have the disease right now. Many won’t realize they have it until they’ve lost nearly 50% of their vision. Tragically, the damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible, so early diagnosis and intervention is critical to preserving sight.

The two main types of glaucoma are open angle and narrow angle.

Ninety-five percent of cases of glaucoma are open angle and result from damage to the optic nerve caused by slow-building pressure inside the eye. The earliest sign of this type of glaucoma is the loss of peripheral, or side, vision. Untreated, vision can become almost tunnel-like and, eventually, fully lost.

In the case of narrow angle glaucoma, vision loss also results from damage to the optic nerve. However, it differs from open angle in that it’s often related to being very farsighted and vision loss comes on rather quickly. It may also cause intense eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision.

Anyone can get glaucoma, but certain factors may put you at greater risk. These include:

• Being over the age of 60, or 40 if you’re African American
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Having elevated eye pressure
• Being diabetic
• Having taken steroids on a long-term basis, including eye drops, pills, inhalers, and creams
• Having high blood pressure
• Being very near- or farsighted
• Having a thin cornea
• Having a history of trauma to the eye, or of multiple eye surgeries for chronic eye conditions

Currently, there is no cure for glaucoma; however, if glaucoma is diagnosed in time and treated, you may be able to prevent additional vision loss and prevent blindness.

Glaucoma is generally treated by lowering the eye pressure with drops, laser, or surgery.  Ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of the treatment is critical so regular follow ups with your eye care provider are important to minimize further vision loss once you have been diagnosed.  Worsening of your glaucoma can only be detected by specific testing and physical examination of the optic nerve.  Remember, most people will not have symptoms from glaucoma until they have lost most of their vision.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology  recommends that people at risk for glaucoma have complete eye exams according to the following schedule:

• Ages 40 to 54, every one to three years
• Ages 55 to 64, every one to two years
• Ages 65 and older, every six to 12 months

In addition, if you are experiencing any of the following problems with your vision, you should contact your eye doctor to schedule a glaucoma screening:

• Blind spots
• Blurry vision
• Tunnel vision
• Eye pain or pressure
• Headaches
• Appearance of rainbow circles or haloes around lights

Individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, known eye diseases or other risk factors should talk to their eye care provider about establishing an appropriate screening schedule.   

Erik Niemi, DO, is an ophthalmology specialist at Advanced Eyecare in Bennington, VT.