Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease that can lead to irreversible vision loss and blindness if left untreated. Early detection is critical for managing the disease and preserving your eyesight.

One of the best ways to catch glaucoma is through regular eye exams.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual information from the eye to the brain. As the nerve cells die, vision loss occurs, usually starting with peripheral vision.

As the disease progresses, central vision can also be affected.

Glaucoma is often associated with high intraocular pressure (IOP), but it’s possible to have the disease with normal IOP. Other risk factors include age, family history of glaucoma, diabetes, and myopia.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several different types of glaucoma:.

Open-angle glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma. The drainage angle remains open, but the fluid doesn’t drain properly, leading to increased IOP.
Angle-closure glaucoma: Occurs when the drainage angle becomes blocked, causing a sudden increase in IOP. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent vision loss.
Normal-tension glaucoma: Occurs when the optic nerve is damaged despite normal IOP levels.
Secondary glaucoma: Results from another eye condition or disease, such as inflammation or trauma.

The Importance of Eye Exams

Many people with glaucoma have no symptoms until the disease is advanced, which is why regular eye exams are so important. During an eye exam, your eye doctor will measure your IOP and inspect the optic nerve for signs of damage.

They may also perform visual field tests to check for any loss of peripheral vision. If you have risk factors for glaucoma, your doctor may recommend more frequent exams to monitor your eye health.

Early detection is critical for managing glaucoma and preventing vision loss. Treatment options include eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, and surgery. The goal of treatment is to lower IOP to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

When to Get an Eye Exam

The American Optometric Association recommends that adults get a comprehensive eye exam every two years if they have no risk factors for eye disease.

If you have risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent exams. Children should have their first eye exam at six months of age, at three years of age, and before starting first grade.

It’s also important to get an eye exam if you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurriness or trouble seeing at night. These symptoms could be a sign of a serious eye condition like glaucoma.

Conclusion

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to irreversible vision loss. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting glaucoma early and preserving your eyesight.

If you have risk factors for glaucoma, it’s important to get frequent eye exams to monitor your eye health. Don’t wait until you have symptoms – schedule your next eye exam today.