Glaucoma Q & A

1. What is glaucoma?

   Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve inside the eye. The optic nerve and nerve fiber layer carries visual images to the brain, and the compression on those structures leads to vision loss.
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2. What causes glaucoma?

   Glaucoma is casued by an increase of internal eye pressure inside the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. In some cases, the internal pressure is within a normal range, but it can still be too high for the eye to handle, and glaucoma damage can occur.
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3. Who gets glaucoma?

   Gluacoma usually occurs in people over 65 years old. People who have family members with gluacoma also have increased risk of developing glaucoma.
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4. How is glaucoma harmful to vision?

   Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve and nerve fiber layer in the eye that can result in permanent vision loss.
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5. Will I go blind from glaucoma?

   If left untreated, peripheral vision is affected first, followed by central vision loss. Complete blindness may occur.
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6. How can I tell if I have glaucoma?

   Glaucoma developes and progresses slowly without pain. Many people are unaware of the vision changes, and only notice it when it is too late.
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7. How is glaucoma detected?

   Glaucoma can only be detected with an eye exam. Regular eye exams are important for all people to access the internal eye pressure and their risk factors for glaucoma.
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8. How is glaucoma treated?

   Glaucoma is usually treated with topical eye drops. Laser surgery, and other surgical techniques can also be used to manage glaucoma.
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9. Will my vision be restored after treatment?

   Vision loss experienced due to glaucoma is permanent and irreversable. This is why regular preventative eye exams with a doctor of optometry is important to prevent glaucoma progression and damage to the eye.
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10. Can glaucoma be prevented?

    Glaucoma is an eye disease that cannot be cured, but with treatment, regular exams, and glaucoma check ups, the damage from glaucoma can be prevented.

The macula is the portion of the retina which provides sharp, central vision, and is involved in processing the fine details of the image. The breakdown of the macula is a disease called macular degeneration.