GLAUCOMA

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age. It is often referred to as the silent "Thief of Sight" because it usually does not have any symptoms; however, with early detection and treatment, vision loss can usually be slowed or prevented.

How is glaucoma caused?

The optic nerve can receive added pressure when fluid that normally flows through the front (anterior) part of the eye fails to drain normally. This added pressure can cause trauma to the optic nerve, which can ultimately lead to vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

Normal Vision Simulation of the same scene as viewed by a person with Glaucoma(right)

Am I at risk of developing glaucoma?

Although anyone can develop glaucoma. There are certain demographics that are at a higher risk of developing the condition, including:

People over 50
People with a family history of glaucoma
Mexican Americans over the age of 60
African Americans over the age of 40
People with diabetes, hypertension, or a chronic inflammatory disease
People who have suffered a serious eye injury
Cardiovascular disease

What are some possible warning signs?

Although many may not experience any symptoms, here are some warning signs as the condition progresses:

Blurred vision
Headache
Eye pain
Small blind spots in your side vision that grow slowly
Seeing colored halos around lights
Decreasing peripheral vision

Glaucoma Medicines

How is glaucoma treated?

Treatments for glaucoma include medication, Laser surgery, conventional surgery or a combination of these. Medications, in the form of eyedrops or pills, are time-honored methods for treating glaucoma during the early stages of the disease. Laser surgery provides the internal eye fluid improved access to the drainage system of the eye. During conventional surgery, a new pathway is created for the fluid to leave the eye.

Additional Information

To read more about glaucoma, visit our Patient Education section by clicking here. If you would like to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kathryn Najafi-Tagol, call The Eye Institute of Marin, conveniently located in Terra Linda, at (415) 444-0300.