Glaucoma

Insight Eye Specialists

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. If your vision seems blurry, contains blank spots, or if you have eye pain or see rainbow-colored halos around lights, call your eye doctor right away.

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. Early treatment can often prevent loss of sight.

SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS

The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers that carry images to the brain. It’s like an electric cable containing numerous wires. When glaucoma damages the optic nerve fibers, blind spots develop. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States. Typically, open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages, and vision remains normal.

As the optic nerve becomes more damaged, blank spots begin to appear in your field of vision. You typically won’t notice these blank spots in your day-to-day activities until the optic nerve is significantly damaged and these spots become large. If all the optic nerve fibers die, blindness results.

Some people are born with the iris (the colored part of the eye) too close to the drainage angle. In these eyes, which are often small and farsighted, the iris can be sucked into the drainage angle and block it completely. Since the fluid cannot exit the eye, pressure inside the eye builds rapidly and causes an acute closed-angle attack.

Regular eye examinations by your eye doctor are the best way to detect glaucoma. 

During a glaucoma exam your ophthalmologist will:

  • Measure your eye pressure
  • Inspect your eye’s drainage angle
  • Examine your optic nerve for damage
  • Test your peripheral vision
  • Take a picture or computer measurement of your optic nerve
  • Measure the thickness of your cornea.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR GLAUCOMA?
  • Age (40 years and older)
  • Elevated eye pressure
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • African, Asian or Spanish ancestry
  • Farsightedness or nearsightedness
  • Past eye injuries
  • Thinner central corneal thickness
  • Pre-existing thinning of the optic nerve
  • Long-term steroid use
  • Other health problems like diabetes, low blood pressure or migraine headaches

Your ophthalmologist will weigh all of these factors before deciding whether you need treatment. You may simply need to be monitored closely. Make sure to have regular examinations to detect the early signs of damage to the optic nerve.

Individuals with risk factors for glaucoma (e.g. family history of glaucoma or African or Hispanic/Latino descent) should have an eye examination every two to four years under 40 years of age, every one to three years between 40 and 54 years, every one to two years between age 55 and 64 years, and every six to 12 months for age 65 or older.

Regular medical eye exams can help prevent unnecessary vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.

PATIENT Reviews

Fabulous staff, amazing eye doctor that took extra time with my care, very thorough exams, and just a wonderful experience all around. I was worried that they wouldn't do the proper exams, but they exceeded my expectations and went through all of it with me, plus a few tests that I didn't know were available. The whole process put me at ease and I felt confident I had the proper diagnosis when I walked out of the office. I will be using them for my care from now on, no question.

Kris

Dr Hill spent as much time with me as needed. He explained everything they were doing. I couldn’t be happier with him.

Jennine W.

The receptionist was professional and greeted me with a cordial welcome. Dr. Wallin is the best. Still seeing 20/20 three years after cataract surgery.

David W.

Dr Hess and supporting staff, have been nothing but professional. My questions and concerns were addressed and resolved. I see only 5 stars available, there should be 10!

Oliver S.

News & Helpful Information

January – Glaucoma

January – Glaucoma

Both supermodel Christie Brinkley and Bono, the lead singer of U2, were diagnosed with glaucoma during a routine eye exam. Both were also surprised by the diagnosis since they weren’t experiencing problems with their vision. That’s the sinister nature of glaucoma, one...

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