Glaucoma is a characteristic progressive disease of the optic nerve. Many, but not all, forms of this disease have an increased internal pressure of the eye. This increased pressure can be due to several reasons. The most common causes are due to an increased production of fluid or due to the internal drain of the eye becoming clogged or blocked. The effect of the elevated pressure is damage to the nerve fibers resulting in a painless form of vision loss.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in North America. Some of the risk factors for glaucoma are those individuals over age 40, have a family history of glaucoma, or are very nearsighted. Presently, there is no cure for glaucoma, but if diagnosed early it can be treated to minimize vision loss. The treatment for glaucoma includes prescription eye drops and in some cases, laser treatment or surgery.
What Are Signs of Glaucoma?
- No symptoms from the patient
- Blur
- Pain
- Halos around lights
- Peripheral vision loss
How Can We Help?
Vision Field Testing
Our office includes glaucoma testing during your routine comprehensive eye exam. Additional testing may be required to further investigate the results of your examination. Some of the glaucoma tests are: pressure measurements of the eyes; a dilated examination of the optic nerves; a visual field test (peripheral vision test) and/or gonioscopy (contact lens to look at the drainage system of the eye).
