If you or a family member has glaucoma, you are likely familiar with this eye disease. While it is a familial disease, it's also an eye disease that can affect anyone. 

The older adult population are more likely to develop eye disease, infants can be born with glaucoma as well as young adults can be impacted.  

This article will discuss eye disease, its causes, and how you can proactively detect it.  

Understanding Glaucoma: An Eye Disease That Can Cause Blindness

Glaucoma is considered a leading cause of blindness in seniors, and early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent blindness.  There are two types of glaucoma: Open-Angle and Angle-Closure.  

Open-Angle and Angle-Closure occur when the drainage of the eye is interrupted, which causes pressure to build up in the eye that can harm the optic nerve.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: The "Most Common Type of Glaucoma" 

Open-angle glaucoma is considered the most common type and is a gradual process. This can be identified with a routine eye exam. If a routine eye exam does not occur,  it may go undetected and slowly cause damage to one's vision.  The change over time can be a sign there is a risk of glaucoma. 

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: The Iris Impedes the Drainage Angle

Angle-Closure Glaucoma is described when the iris is too close to the drainage angle, and this may lead to a complete blockage. Eye pressure will rise extremely fast, and will be considered a medical emergency requiring prompt, professional intervention by an ophthalmologist to avoid vision loss.  Even though angle-closure glaucoma usually develops slowly, it's vital to know the signs of an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack.

• Your vision is suddenly blurry
• You have severe eye pain
• You have a headache
• You feel sick to your stomach (nausea)
• You throw up (vomit)
• You see rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights

Understanding Who is at Risk of Glaucoma 

Below is a list of conditions that may lead to the risk of having glaucoma.  Knowing potential risk factors, you may spot the signs early and you should consult with your ophthalmologist who is your best resource.  

• Over 40 Years of Age
• Family History
• African, Hispanic, or Asian Heritage
• High Eye Pressure 
• Wear Glasses for Far or Nearsightedness
• Post Eye Injury
• Long-Term Use of Steroids
• Abnormal Center-Corneal Thickness 
• Optic Nerve Changes

Be Proactive to Lower the Chance of Glaucoma Blindness

Though there is no cure for glaucoma, being proactive will support eye health and treatment. Knowing your family history will give your eye doctor great insight.

For anyone who is at risk for glaucoma, routine eye exam and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help to support eye health.

At LifeSpring Community, we are committed to providing care to our patients.  For information contact us to schedule an appointment and learn how our community of caring services may support you and your loved one.

Resource:: American Academy of Ophthalmology