Who Gets Glaucoma?
Perich Eye Centers
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Perich Eye Centers 〰️
Over two million people in the United States are currently living with some form of glaucoma, making it one of the most prevalent conditions we treat. Glaucoma is a disease that if left untreated can lead to irreversible vision loss from damage done to the optic nerve. The most common form of glaucoma happens as a result of increased pressure in the fluid of the eye, known as increased intraocular pressure.
Who Gets Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can affect individuals of all ages, but certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition. Risk factors include but are not limited to family history of glaucoma, low eye pressure, pre existing conditions like diabetes and heart disease, smoking, nearsightedness, and race. African Americans are more susceptible to open angle glaucoma and are fifteen times more likely to experience blindness as a result of this condition.
We highly recommend that from thirty years of age and on you schedule regular eye exams as an early prevention method and detection tool against glaucoma. Early detection promises better outcomes and greater ability to prevent damage that can lead to blindness.
The following groups of people are more prone to developing glaucoma:
Older Adults: Glaucoma becomes more prevalent with age. While it can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly after the age of 40 and becomes even greater after the age of 60.
Family History: Having a family history of glaucoma increases the risk of developing the condition. If you have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with glaucoma, your risk is higher.
Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups have a higher incidence of glaucoma. People of African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent are more susceptible to certain types of glaucoma. For example, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is more common in African Americans.
Elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Increased intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. However, not everyone with high IOP will develop glaucoma, and some individuals may develop glaucoma even with normal IOP.
Thin Corneas: Thinner corneas have been associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Corneal thickness is typically measured during an eye exam.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep apnea, have been linked to a higher risk of glaucoma.
Eye Injuries or Surgery: Previous eye injuries, surgeries (such as cataract surgery), or long-term use of corticosteroid medications can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Myopia (Nearsightedness): Severe nearsightedness is associated with a higher risk of glaucoma.
It's important to note that anyone can develop glaucoma, regardless of these risk factors. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and timely treatment, especially for individuals with one or more of the above risk factors. Detecting glaucoma in its early stages allows for better management and helps prevent or minimize vision loss.
What is the cause of glaucoma?
The exact cause of glaucoma is still unknown. We do know that the main contributing factor is a blockage of passages that normally allow the fluid within your eye to drain. When this happens the build up of fluid in the eye can put damaging pressure on the optic nerve that can, if left untreated, lead to loss of vision. The nerve fibers and blood vessels in the eye are very fragile and can be easily damaged by this change in pressure causing vision loss to occur.
How can I tell if I have glaucoma?
We often call glaucoma the silent thief for its lack of noticeable symptoms that will damage eyesight without warning. Noticeable physical symptoms may not show up until it’s too late. Signs and symptoms will vary depending on the type of glaucoma you have.
If you have primary open-angle glaucoma, your first noticeable symptom may be vision loss.
If you have acute-angle closure glaucoma, your first sign may be blurred vision. You may also notice rings or halos around lights and eyes that get red and feel strained often.
How can I be tested to see if I have glaucoma?
At Perich Eye Center, we are highly trained to recognize and test for glaucoma. We use a painless procedure called tonometry to measure the internal pressure of your eye. It is important to come in for regular eye exams so that we can establish a history record that enables us to easily detect changes. Testing for glaucoma is always part of a complete eye exam.
What is the prognosis for glaucoma?
Each type of glaucoma has its own prognosis-
Acute glaucoma:
If an episode of acute glaucoma is treated early enough, there is a good chance that the vision in the affected eye will be able to be recovered at a high percentage of what it was before. However if neglected, or not treated properly blindness can occur within two days or less.
Open-angle glaucoma:
Prognosis for Open-angle glaucoma is dependent on how well a person sticks to their eye drop and medication plan of care. If neglected, blindness can occur.
Can glaucoma be prevented?
The biggest thing you can do to prevent glaucoma is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage any chronic conditions such as diabetes to the best of your ability. Since the damage done by glaucoma can not be reversed, the best way to prevent loss of vision is through regular eye exams and early detection. You can also slow the progression of glaucoma by taking your eye drops and medications regularly.
If you are ready for your eye exam or feel like something has changed, feel free to contact the closest Perich Eye Center to you, our locations are conveniently located throughout Central Florida. Click here to find your location.
