The term “Glaucoma” describes a number of eye conditions that result in permanent damage to the optic nerve.  Generally, glaucoma is thought of as a higher than “normal” intraocular pressure (IOP).  Although a high intraocular pressure is often a major cause of glaucoma, it not the only cause of glaucoma.  In fact, there are many different types and causes of glaucoma.  Regardless of the type or cause of glaucoma, if it is left untreated, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss and possibly even blindness.

Between 2.5 and 3 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with glaucoma and another 1 million individuals in the United States probably have glaucoma, but have not yet been diagnosed because they do not have access to eye care.  Among adults aged 18-65 in the United States, glaucoma is considered the second leading cause of blindness.

Glaucoma is so threatening because of its slow and progressive onset that usually does not cause patients to experience any visual symptoms or discomfort.  Patients can walk around and not know that they are gradually losing their vision until glaucoma is at a very advanced stage.

Glaucoma is best found and diagnosed during routine comprehensive eye examinations.  At a minimum, anyone over the age of 50 years old should be screened for glaucoma every two years.  Siblings of glaucoma patients are at particularly high risk for developing glaucoma and should be screened on an annual basis.

Types of Glaucoma

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

The most common type of glaucoma is called Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG).  With Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, patients often have an elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurement that may result in damage to the optic nerve if left untreated.  It is this raised pressure (IOP) that can cause permanent changes and even damage to the optic nerve.  Thus, it is important to monitor intraocular pressure regularly in order to detect and control elevated intraocular pressure.  If left untreated, a high intraocular pressure (IOP) can, over time, lead to slow progressive, permanent damage to the optic nerve that can result in blindness.

Angle Closure Glaucoma

A much less common, but equally significant type of glaucoma, is called Angle Closure Glaucoma.  Angle Closure Glaucoma is characterized by closure or blockage of the drainage structure of the eye-the trabecular meshwork.  If the filter becomes obstructed or blocked, the pressure can rise quickly and significantly.  This can cause pain, redness, blurred vision and if left untreated permanent loss of vision.  Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma is most effectively treated with a laser in order to create a small opening in the peripheral iris tissue to redirect the aqueous fluid and prevent the trabecular meshwork from becoming blocked.

Treatment of Glaucoma

Fortunately, today we have many excellent options for treating glaucoma.  For purposes of this discussion we will limit our treatments to those used for treating Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, as it is the most common type of glaucoma.

Medical Treatment of Glaucoma

By far the most common form of treatment for glaucoma is the use of eye drops.  In fact 80% of patients diagnosed with glaucoma can be successfully treated with one or more of a large list of prescription medications.  These medications work by either decreasing the amount of fluid being produced inside the eye or by increasing the rate of drainage of fluid from the eye.  In the vast majority of cases, by using the eye drops as prescribed 1-2 times per day it is possible to effectively control the intraocular pressure and the progression of the disease.  

Laser Treatment of Glaucoma

For those patients who cannot be successfully treated with eye drops, laser therapy may be utilized to help control the intraocular pressure (IOP).  In fact, today laser treatment for glaucoma is widely used to help prevent vision loss and is becoming a glaucoma treatment of choice for many patients who have problems with eye drops or are unable to instill them properly.

Surgical Treatment of Glaucoma

Finally, in the event that patients are unable to achieve satisfactory results with either eye drops or laser treatment for glaucoma, there are surgical procedures that Drs. Kessler and Howard might recommend in order to help reduce and stabilize the intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent vision loss.   

As you can see, Glaucoma is a complex eye disease, but is successfully treated when found early in its course.  Litchfield Hills Eye Physicians and its staff, under the medical direction of Drs. Kessler and Howard provide the full scope of diagnostic testing and treatment options as well as the patient education necessary in order to get the best possible outcomes for their patients.