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Glaucoma
affects the optic nerve which is found at the back of
the eye. The optic nerve sends visual information from
the eye to the brain, allowing us to see.
In
glaucoma, the pressure inside the eyeball is high enough
to cause damage to the optic nerve. Similar to high
blood pressure, patients cannot "feel" the
pressure in the eye except in rare and severe cases.
Damage
starts with peripheral vision. The speed with which
vision deteriorates is usually slow and initially goes
unnoticed in the average patient. As the condition progresses,
more nerve cells are damaged and the field of vision
narrows. If left unchecked, this process can lead to
complete blindness.
When
eye pressure rises, it slowly destroys fibers in the
optic nerve. As nerve fibers die, the optic disc gets
damaged. The result is called a cupped disc in which
the center has become pale in contrast to the healthy
tissue around the rim.
Who
Should Be Checked For Glaucoma?
- A
family history of glaucoma
- 35
years of age or older
- African
Americans
- History
of severe eye inflammation or infection
- History
of eye trauma
- Previous
eye surgery
- Arthritis
- Steroid
use, oral or inhaled
- Diabetes
Click here for information on treatment options for glaucoma.
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In
many cases, glaucoma can be controlled with eyedrops.
In
glaucoma, the pressure inside the eye is elevated.
Normal Disc
Cupped
Disc
 
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