Oklahoma Eye Center

What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blindness. If caught early, it can usually be controlled. But it often has no symptoms, so you need regular eye exams. Glaucoma usually begins when pressure builds up in the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve sends messages to the brain so you can see. There are two main kinds of glaucoma: "Open-angle" and "Closed-angle."

Open-Angle Glaucoma Open-angle is the most common kind of glaucoma. It occurs slowly as people age. The drainage area in the eye becomes clogged. Not enough fluid drains from the eye, so pressure slowly builds up. This causes loss of side (peripheral) vision. But the loss is so gradual, you may not even notice it.	Closed-Angle Glaucoma Closed-angle glaucoma is less common than open-angle. It usually comes on quickly. The drainage area in the eye suddenly becomes completely blocked. eye pressure builds rapidly. You may notice blurred vision and rainbow halos around lights. You may also have headaches, nausea, vomitting, and severe pain. If not treated right away, blindness can occur quickly.
Your Eye Exam
The best way to catch glaucoma early is to have regular eye exams. During the exam, your eye doctor uses special instruments to check your eye pressure and to view the drainage areas and optic nerve. Your doctor also checks your visual field (how far you can see to the side) to be sure you're not losing side vision.
Who's at Risk? Anyone can get glaucoma. But some people are more likely to get it. Risk factors include the following: Increasing age African ancestry A family history of glaucoma Previous eye injuries or surgeries Health problems such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Treating Glaucoma
Treatment can prevent or limit vision loss from glaucoma. The goal of treatment is to control glaucoma by lowering eye pressure. Your doctor can suggest what treatment is best for you. You may just need more frequent exams. Medicines and procedures may also help.
Medicines to Lower Eye Pressure Eyedrops and pills may be used to lower eye pressure. Some medicines reduce the amount of fluid your eyes make. Others increase drainage in the eyes. Use your medicines as directed. Don't stop taking them - even if you have no symptoms. Eye pressure can rise rapidly and damage your vision. If the medicines cause side effects, talk to your doctor.	Procedures to Improve Eye Drainage In severe cases of glaucoma, procedures may be used to improve eye drainage. Lasers may be used to increase drainage Surgery can be done to create new drainage areas.
It's Up to You It's up to you to protect your eyes from glaucoma. Take these steps: Have eye exams as often as your eye doctor suggests. If you have glaucoma, use medicine as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have questions or problems. < back to Eye Care page