Will I lose my sight from glaucoma?

Fortunately, this is not the case for the majority of patients. Sight impairment is more common in glaucoma than blindness. The vast majority of glaucoma patients will be stabilised with proper therapy and follow-up. A positive outcome is more likely if you collaborate with your doctor to control your glaucoma.

How often should I visit my optometrist?

If you've just been diagnosed with glaucoma, your eye pressure may need to be monitored every week or month until it's under control. Even if your eye pressure is within normal limits, you may need to see your doctor for examinations several times a year. The frequency with which you visit your eye doctor is determined by the treatment plan you and your doctor devise together.

What is the importance of family members getting eye exams?

People with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to get the disease, therefore you should encourage your family members to have their eye pressure and optic nerves tested on a frequent basis. Many people are unaware of the significance of regular eye exams and are unaware that glaucoma patients may have no symptoms.

Is there a treatment for glaucoma?

The first step in preserving your vision is to get an early diagnosis. Treatment of glaucoma is done using eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment, and surgery. However, glaucoma must be monitored for the rest of one's life.

Is it a hereditary trait?

Glaucoma can be inherited in some cases. It tends to run in families and is thought to have genetic predisposition. However, glaucoma is not always hereditary. Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia etc are also known to cause glaucoma.

Glaucoma

Written By Dr. Sakshi JainMS, BDS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 27 Sep 2022 | 06:23 PM (IST)

Overview

Glaucomas are a group of eye disorders characterized by progressive optic nerve damage. It is a condition in which there is a relative increase in intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eyes) which can lead to irreversible loss of vision.

Glaucoma is the second most common cause of loss of vision worldwide after cataract with more than 70 million people affected worldwide.

Glaucoma can occur at any age but is more common among people above 60 years of age. Several risk factors can increase the risk of glaucoma which include old age, family history of glaucoma, and history of eye injury. Other causes are poor blood flow to the optic nerve and conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Glaucoma is a silent thief of vision. In the early stages of glaucoma, there are no symptoms. In reality, most of those who have glaucoma are completely unaware of their condition. Hence regular eye checkups by an ophthalmologist play an important role in managing the disease at an early stage. Treatment protocols include medications and surgical procedures.

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Overview

Key Facts

Causes

Types

Risk factors

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Living with

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References