Diagnosing and Care for Glaucoma

Diagnosing and Care for Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive condition of the optic nerve resulting from excessive pressure inside the eye. People with the most common form of glaucoma may gradually lose vision, beginning with their peripheral vision. This loss of vision may go unnoticed for many years by the patient. Unfortunately, it will result in blindness if left untreated.

 

Those at Risk

Anyone can get glaucoma; however, certain people have a higher risk of getting it than others. Common risk factors for the condition include suffering from diabetes, having high myopia, and a family history of glaucoma. Also, being African-American and being advanced in age: The risk increases with age.

 

Glaucoma Statistics

About two percent of people in the U.S. between the ages of 40 and 50 suffer from glaucoma. The figure rises to eight percent for those over the age of 70 years. Unfortunately, according to some estimates, only half of those with the condition have a diagnosis. This condition accounts for about 12 percent of all new cases of vision loss each year. It is the second-leading cause of vision-loss globally.

 

Diagnosing Glaucoma

At first, you will have no symptoms or pain. Unfortunately, if left undiagnosed and untreated, you will start to miss objects out of the corner of your eye. However, you will clearly see those in front of you. During the late stages of the disease, you will start to notice some symptoms. Over time, your remaining vision will start to decrease until you have none left. Therefore, it is important to seek a diagnosis and treatment in the early stages rather than waiting until the condition gets worse.

 

An eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and review your medical history to determine whether or not you have glaucoma. Traditionally, doctors diagnosed glaucoma by using a visual field to evaluate a patient’s peripheral vision. Thanks to new studies and advances in laser technology, there is a significant improvement in the accuracy of early diagnosis.

 

Tests Used to Diagnose Glaucoma

The first step when it comes to diagnosing glaucoma is an eye exam. This examination should include dilation of the pupils to allow for a stereoscopic view of the retina. Often, your eye doctor will repeat or complete the pupil dilation during a subsequent visit. Other tests that your eye doctor will use to diagnose glaucoma include:
 

• Gonioscopy: This test allows the doctor to assess the trabecular meshwork of your eyes.
   

• Tonometry: Measures the pressure in your eye.
   

• Pachymetry: This test measures corneal thickness.
   

• Threshold Visual Field: To detect how dim of a light you can see in your peripheral vision.
   

• Fundus Photos: To look for changes in the appearance of your optic nerve.
   

• Pattern Electroretinogram: This allows the doctor to detect the loss of the glaucomatous nerve fiber much earlier, which allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
  
   

Care for Glaucoma

It is important to understand that glaucoma is a lifelong eye condition. Much like diabetes and hypertension, it will always require treatment. As of yet, you cannot cure these conditions; however, you can control them with medications. There are many ophthalmic medications available today.

 

You can use some special eye drops a few times a day, and your doctor may also prescribe some medications. If your glaucomatous changes persist, you may require surgery. Whether or not a patient goes blind will depend on numerous factors. With early treatment, however, most people will not go blind from glaucoma.

 

To learn more about diagnosing & care for glaucoma, contact Claremore Eye Associates in Claremore, OK at (918) 233-3319 to schedule an appointment.