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If you haven’t had an eye exam recently, you may not know if
you have glaucoma, the second-leading cause of blindness.
Glaucoma isn’t just one disease. It’s a group of diseases that
damages the optic nerve and destroys eyesight. But it’s
painless, and without annual vision exams, people with glaucoma
may not even realize they have it until the damage has already
been done.
In fact, the National Eye Institute at the National
Institutes of Health reports that nearly half of the more than 4
million people in the US with glaucoma may not even know they
have it.
That’s why January has been designated
Glaucoma Awareness Month. The American Academy of
Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam every three to
five years for all adults beginning at 40 if they don’t have
risk factors for glaucoma. At age 60, exams should be every
year.
Glaucoma risk factors
Your eye professional will want to know if you have any of
the following risk factors, since glaucoma can destroy vision
before you experience any symptoms.
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Internal eye pressure higher than normal
Not everyone with elevated pressure develops glaucoma, but it
does present an increased risk. This can be checked during
your eye exam
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Age
The risk goes up for everyone older than 60.
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Ethnic background
African-Americans are five times more likely to develop
glaucoma than Caucasians. They are also more likely to develop
blindness because of glaucoma. The risk is also higher for
Mexican-Americans and Asian-Americans.
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Family history of glaucoma
Researchers believe there may be a defect in one or more genes
that could cause some people to be susceptible to glaucoma, so
if someone in your family has glaucoma, your risk is higher.
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Medical conditions
Diabetes and hypothyroidism increases the risk for glaucoma.
Severe eye injuries, tumors, inflammations and certain types
of eye surgeries can also increase your risk.
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Nearsightedness
Your risk goes up if you have high myopia.
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Use of corticosteroids
If you have been using corticosteroids, particularly
corticosteroid eyedrops, for a prolonged period of time, you
have a higher risk of getting secondary glaucoma.
Glaucoma symptoms
There are two common types of glaucoma: primary open-angle
glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. And the symptoms are
different for each.
Primary open-angle glaucoma symptoms
Gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
Acute angle-closure glaucoma symptoms
Severe eye pain
Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)
Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Reddening of the eye
What to do
Ask your doctor about when to see an ophthalmologist. If you
don’t already have one, ask for a referral.
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During your appointment, have this
information ready for the ophthalmologist:
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Symptoms you’ve been having and how
long
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Key medical information, including
diagnoses, medications and supplements
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History of eye problems, such as
vision changes or discomfort
Questions for the doctor
These might include:
1. Do I have signs of glaucoma?
2. What tests do I need to confirm a diagnosis?
3. What treatment approach do you recommend?
4. How often should I be seen for follow-up care?
5. I have these other health conditions. How can I best
manage them together?
For more information about
glaucoma, check out these online references:
National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov/glaucoma/
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glaucoma/DS00283 |
