Q: What is glaucoma? A: Glaucoma is a condition characterized by visual field loss and optic nerve damage due to an increased intraocular pressure inside the eye.
Q: What causes glaucoma? A: Clear liquid, called the aqueous humor, circulates inside the eye. A small amount of this fluid is produced constantly while an equal amount flows out of the eye through a microscopic drainage system. If the drainage area gets blocked, the fluid pressure within the inner eye may increase, which can cause damage to the optic nerve.
Q: How is glaucoma detected? A: Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma. During an examination, the following tests may be conducted: - Tonometry: measurement of your intraocular pressure - Gonioscopy: inspection of the drainage angle of your eye - Ophthalmoscopy: evaluation of any optic nerve damage - Perimetry: testing of your eye’s visual field
Q: Who is at risk for glaucoma? A: The most important risk factors include: - Age - African ancestry - A family history of glaucoma - Diabetes - Past injuries to the eyes
If you have any of these risk factors, your risk of developing glaucoma may be higher than normal, and you will need to have regular examinations to detect the early signs of damage to the optic nerve.
Q: How is glaucoma treated? A: Damage caused by glaucoma generally cannot be reversed. However, eye drops, pills, and laser and surgical operations may be used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring.
Because glaucoma can worsen without your being aware of it, regular examinations are very important to prevent vision loss.
