Glaucoma
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a disease which affects millions of Americans and many more worldwide. It is a leading cause of blindness in the world. Most often, it is inherited or what is called PRIMARY. Primary open angle glaucoma, or POAG, occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve without an underlying cause or condition of the eye which predisposes the eye to develop glaucoma, i.e. an otherwise normal eye.
Many times, the intraocular pressure, or IOP, is elevated with POAG. Sometimes, however, the IOP is normal. The IOP is independent of blood pressure and is typically between 10 and 22 mm Hg.
Above is shown a typical nerve appearance with damage from glaucoma. Note that the center of the nerve has an excavated or "scooped out" appearance.
Glaucoma is a treatable condition if caught early. It usually has no symptoms and affects people who have a family history of glaucoma. "At risk" patients include:
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African Americans over 35
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All people over 60
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Diabetics
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Those with a family history of glaucoma
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Patients who are nearsighted or myopic
The end result of glaucoma is blindness and the loss of the field of vision is irreversible. But, if caught early, it can be halted with treatment, which includes eye drops, laser treatment or surgery.
