WHAT IS GLAUCOMA AND HOW CAN YOU PREVENT IT?
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Glaucoma affects roughly
728,000 CANADIANS
Educating yourself about glaucoma and understanding the many risks associated with it is an important step to help protect and preserve your eye health.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that lead to the progressive degeneration of the optic nerve, causing a loss of nerve tissue and potential blindness. The cause of these diseases are not always known, however, they can result in optic nerve damage through elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or a restriction in blood supply to the nerve, also known as poor perfusion.
Either way, the optic nerve progressively loses viability, resulting in visual field or peripheral vision loss. This vision loss will usually first appear in the peripheral vision, a warning sign that Glaucoma may be present or on the horizon. A routine eye exam can often determine if you are predisposed to Glaucoma, steps you can take to prevent and/or treat it.
While glaucoma can happen to anyone, here are some common risk factors that can contribute to the diagnosis:
Being over 60 years old
A family history of glaucoma
Medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or sickle cell anemia
Corneas that are thin in the centre
Eye injuries
Being extremely nearsighted, farsighted, or taking corticosteroid medications, like eye drops, for a prolonged period
Having elevated eye pressure
Four types of glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when the eye’s drainage channel remains fully open. POAG includes both high-tension glaucoma—caused by elevated eye pressure from excess aqueous fluid or insufficient drainage—and normal-tension glaucoma, caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve rather than increased eye pressure.
Normal-tension glaucoma
This type of glaucoma occurs when the drainage channel in the eye, located at the angle formed between the cornea and the iris, closes or becomes blocked.
The risk of the drainage channel closing increases with age in certain individuals. If the channel closes, permanent optic nerve damage can occur in only hours.
Secondary glaucoma
This type of glaucoma can occur as the result of an injury, eye surgery, infection, or tumour growth in or around the eye, causing pressure to rise. It has also been linked to a variety of medical conditions, medications, and eye abnormalities.
Angle-closure glaucoma
This type is caused when the drainage angle in the eye formed by the cornea and the iris closes or becomes blocked. As you age, the drainage angle between the cornea and the iris can shut, creating a buildup of eye pressure and fluid.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
A routine eye exam can help identify early signs or risk factors of Glaucoma. At FYidoctors, many of our optometrists have advanced diagnostic imaging tools for Glaucoma testing and diagnosis:
Ophthalmoscopy
Retinal Imaging
Tonometry
Perimetry
Gonioscopy
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Treating Glaucoma
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment and prevention protocols do exist to prevent further damage and vision loss. Treatment typically is offered in one of two ways—medication or surgery.
Beta Blockers
The most common beta blocker used is timolol. These drugs reduce production of aqueous humor (fluid in the eye), which will lower pressure.
Alpha Agonists Production
Alpha agonists decrease aqueous humor productions and increase the outflow of liquid from the eye. Both activities lower IOP. An example of an alpha agonist is brimonidine.
Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors
Common CAIs are brinzolamide or dorzolamide. They are applied to the eye and will also decrease the production of aqueous humor.
Miotics
A common miotic is pilocarpine. This particular medication increases outflow of liquid and decreases IOP.
If medication is unsuccessful, doctors may recommend that a patient should consider having surgery. A routine eye exam is the best way to determine if you are predisposed to Glaucoma, steps you can take to prevent and/or treat it.
Source: Fighting Blindness Canada
FAQs
What is glaucoma and how does it affect your vision?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually from increased eye pressure. It's a leading cause of vision loss because damage occurs gradually without noticeable symptoms until permanent vision loss happens, earning it the name "silent thief of sight."
How can I tell if I have glaucoma before losing my vision?
Most people can't detect glaucoma symptoms on their own until significant vision loss occurs. That's why regular comprehensive eye exams are essential—your eye doctor can measure eye pressure and examine your optic nerve to detect changes before you notice symptoms.
Who should get screened for glaucoma regularly?
Everyone benefits from regular eye exams, but screening becomes especially important if you're over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, have diabetes or high blood pressure, or belong to certain ethnic backgrounds with higher risk factors.
Can glaucoma be prevented or is it hereditary?
While you can't completely prevent glaucoma, especially if you have genetic risk factors, early detection through routine eye exams allows for effective management. Catching it early helps preserve your sight and prevent progression through proper treatment and monitoring.
How often should I get an eye exam to check for glaucoma?
Most adults should have comprehensive eye exams every one to two years. If you're over 40 or have risk factors like family history, diabetes, or high blood pressure, annual eye exams help ensure early detection and protect your vision.