5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT GLAUCOMA

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common eye problem that, if not treated, can make you go blind. About three million Americans have it, the second leading cause of blindness globally. It happens when the eye has too much pressure because the fluid inside isn’t flowing correctly. But don’t worry, there are safe and effective treatments like eye drops, laser treatment, and a tiny implant called the iStent inject®W that can help. 

5 Facts About Glaucoma

1. Glaucoma Can Be Asymptomatic

One important thing to know is that glaucoma, especially the most common open-angle glaucoma, might show no early signs. People may only realize they have it once it’s more serious. Regular eye check-ups are crucial because they can catch glaucoma early without symptoms.

 If someone has open-angle glaucoma, they might not notice any problems, even if their eye pressure is high. But if symptoms do appear, like blind spots or tunnel vision, it’s essential to see the eye doctor.

For another type called acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can include eye pain, bad headaches, seeing halos around lights, feeling sick, red eyes, and blurry vision. If anyone experiences these signs or thinks they might have glaucoma, they must see the eye doctor quickly.

2.  Some Populations Are More At-Risk Than Others

Certain groups of people are more likely to get glaucoma, but anyone can have it. It’s good to know if you’re in a higher-risk group so you can get regular eye check-ups. Here are the groups more at risk:

• People Over 60: If you’re over 60, your chances of getting glaucoma are six times higher.
• Asian Populations: Some Asians, mainly of Japanese descent, are at an increased risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
• Steroid Users: Using steroids, like inhalers for asthma, may be linked to glaucoma. If you use them, checking your eye pressure regularly is important.
• Eye Injuries: Injuries to the eye, especially from sports, can lead to glaucoma immediately or even years later.
• Other Risk Factors: Hypertension and nearsightedness can also increase the risk. If you’re in any of these groups, it’s a good idea to talk to your eye doctor about your risk for glaucoma.

3. Glaucoma Runs in the Family

If someone in your Family has glaucoma, there’s a higher chance you could get it too. This type of glaucoma, called open-angle glaucoma, can run in families. If a close family member has it, your risk is about four to nine times more than the usual risk. It’s essential to check for glaucoma regularly if it’s in your Family. However, just because a family member has it doesn’t mean you’ll get it.

Need help with your family history of glaucoma? It’s a good idea to ask your Family if anyone has had it. If you’re worried that you might be at a higher risk because of a family member, talk to your doctor for more information.

4. Glaucoma is treatable

Even though glaucoma gets worse over time, the good news is that it can be treated. Once you know you have glaucoma, it’s important to explore your treatment options to avoid further vision loss. While there’s no cure, there are effective treatments:

• iStent inject® W: This tiny device can be implanted in your eye to help lower pressure. It might even reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops. It’s usually done along with cataract surgery.
• Prescription Eye Drops: These are common and can lower eye pressure, protecting your optic nerve. Your doctor will guide you on how to use them.
• Laser Treatment: In some cases, a laser is used to help drain fluid from the eye, reducing pressure. This is a simple procedure done at the doctor’s office.

5. Routine Eye Appointments Are Key for Glaucoma Detection

Going for regular eye check-ups is super important to catch glaucoma early. Since glaucoma usually doesn’t have early signs, routine eye appointments help in spotting it before it causes serious problems. Glaucoma gets worse over time, and once you lose vision because of it, you can’t get it back. To find glaucoma, you need regular dilated eye exams. These check-ups catch glaucoma early and prevent it from causing big harm.

Here’s some advice from the eye experts:

• If you’re under 40, go every five to 10 years.
• Between 40 and 54, go every two to four years.
• Between 55 and 64, go every one to three years.
• If you’re over 65, go every one to two years.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can lead to blindness if not treated. It’s important to be aware of its asymptomatic nature, the increased risk within specific populations, the importance of family history, available treatments, and the significance of routine eye check-ups for early detection.