What is Glaucoma and When Should You Start Testing for It?

What is glaucoma, what are the risk factors, and when should you start testing for it?

As we explore the complexities of glaucoma, remember that regular eye examinations are your first lines of defense against this silent threat.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that often leads to gradual vision loss. It occurs when fluid buildup in the eye increases pressure, leading to damage to the optic nerve, a critical component for transmitting visual signals from the eye to the brain. Although optic nerve damage is often associated with high eye pressure, glaucoma can manifest even when eye pressure falls within the normal range.

Glaucoma can happen at any age, but it’s more prevalent in older adults, particularly those over 60, where it ranks as a major cause of blindness.

Because it can quietly damage your vision over time, routine eye exams are essential. Being one of the top causes of blindness worldwide, it’s vital to understand glaucoma so you can take steps to detect and manage it early, preserving your eyesight for the long run.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma takes various forms, each with its own characteristics and implications for vision health. Here are the different types of glaucoma:

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, progresses slowly and is often undetected until significant vision loss occurs.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, typically linked to an open anterior chamber angle and elevated, or at times, average intraocular pressure (IOP).

Symptoms manifest as a consequence of visual field loss. The diagnostic process involves thorough examinations such as ophthalmoscopy, gonioscopy, visual field assessments, and measurements of central corneal thickness and IOP.

Treatment options encompass laser surgery and the use of topical medications. In some instances, incisional surgery may be necessary to enhance drainage of the clear liquid between the eye’s lens and cornea, known as the aqueous humor.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

This type is characterized by a sudden increase in eye pressure, leading to severe symptoms that require immediate attention.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs when drainage canals are blocked, resembling a sink with a covered drain.

In this type of glaucoma, the iris isn’t as wide as needed, causing it to bunch up over drainage canals when the pupil enlarges quickly, often in dimly lit rooms.

A simple test can determine the angle’s width, and symptoms may include headaches, eye pain, nausea, seeing rainbows around lights at night, and blurred vision.

Addressing angle-closure glaucoma typically involves laser or traditional surgery to alleviate the iris’s outer edge, unblocking drainage canals. While generally successful, regular checkups remain crucial to monitor for potential complications.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma refers to various types of glaucoma where a different underlying cause results in increased eye pressure, leading to optic nerve damage and vision loss. Similar to primary glaucoma, this form can manifest as either open-angle or angle-closure and may impact one or both eyes.

Secondary glaucoma can arise from various factors, including eye injuries, inflammation, the use of certain medications like steroids, and advanced stages of conditions such as cataracts or diabetes.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

In normal-tension glaucoma, damage occurs to the optic nerve despite eye pressure remaining within the normal range. Medical professionals also may call this condition “low-tension” or “normal-pressure” glaucoma.

The exact reasons why some individuals develop normal-tension glaucoma remain unclear. There are suggestions that the optic nerve may be extra sensitive or delicate, making it prone to damage even when the eye pressure is normal.

Your doctor may inquire about episodes of abnormally low blood pressure, potentially triggered by an excessive response to blood pressure medication or severe blood loss. Additionally, insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve could contribute to the development of this type of glaucoma.

Causes and Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Understanding the causes and risk factors is vital for early prevention and management.

Family History

A family history of glaucoma increases your risk, highlighting the importance of regular eye checkups.

Race

Certain ethnicities, such as African-American and Hispanic, are more prone to glaucoma.

Age

Age plays a significant role, with the risk increasing after age 40.

Medical Conditions

Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can contribute to glaucoma development.

Corticosteroid Use

Long-term use of corticosteroids may elevate the risk, necessitating vigilant eye care.

Physical Injury to the Eye

Past eye injuries can contribute to glaucoma, underscoring the need for consistent eye health monitoring.

Other Risk Factors

Factors like high intraocular pressure and thinner corneas are additional contributors to glaucoma.

When Should You Start Testing for Glaucoma?

Taking good care of your eyes is the first step in ensuring they are in good health.
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection. If you are at risk, it is recommended to have eye exams at least every two years after the age of 40. However, individual risk factors may warrant more frequent testing.

For a comprehensive eye exam and personalized guidance on glaucoma prevention, visit CustomEyes. Our experts prioritize your eye health, ensuring you navigate the world of eyewear with clarity and style. Book your appointment today to safeguard your vision for a lifetime.