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Glaucoma

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(glaw-KOH-muh)
Group of diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure resulting in damage to the optic nerve and retinal nerve fibers. The 2nd leading disease in America resulting in blindness. While it is not curable, it can be controlled if detected and treated early. Increased intraocular pressure may cause irreversible damage to the eye if not controlled. Early detection and treatment are hampered by a lack of symptoms in the initial stages of the disease and by low levels of public awareness and knowledge that regular, comprehensive eye examinations are necessary.
  • Diagnosis: To properly diagnose glaucoma, the physician will need to complete a full eye examination. This may include a visual acuity test, pupil dilation and a visual field test, which measures peripheral vision, and/or a tonometry, which measures fluid pressure inside the eye.
  • Treatment: While glaucoma cannot be cured, early treatment often can control it. Treatment may include fluid drainage medications, conventional surgery or laser surgery (also called laser trabeculoplasty). In some cases, several procedures may be necessary.

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