Glaucoma: The “Silent Thief of Sight”
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can gradually damage vision without noticeable symptoms. The disease affects the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain, and can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and treated early.
What Is Glaucoma and Who Is at Risk?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. This pressure can develop when the eye’s natural fluid does not drain properly, allowing fluid to build up and gradually damage the nerve fibers responsible for vision. Over time, glaucoma typically affects peripheral (side) vision first before potentially progressing to central vision loss.
While glaucoma can affect anyone, the risk increases for certain groups, including:
- Adults age 60 and older
- African Americans over the age of 40
- People with a family history of glaucoma
- Individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes
Types of Glaucoma
There are two primary types of glaucoma:
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common form, occurring when fluid does not drain efficiently from the eye. It typically develops gradually and painlessly, often without noticeable vision changes in the early stages.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Also called closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma, this type occurs when the iris blocks the eye’s drainage angle. If the blockage becomes complete, eye pressure can rise rapidly and trigger an acute attack requiring immediate medical care, as untreated cases can lead to sudden vision loss.
Protect Your Vision with Early Detection:
Because glaucoma often develops without early warning signs, vision loss may begin before symptoms appear. Although there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow or prevent further vision loss.
Treatment options may include:
- Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure
- Laser procedures to improve fluid drainage.
- Surgery in more advanced cases
Millions of people in the United States are living with glaucoma, and experts estimate that about half may not know they have it. Because the condition often develops slowly and painlessly, routine comprehensive eye exams remain the best way to detect glaucoma early and protect long-term vision.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Glaucoma.- https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/glaucoma.html
American Academy of Ophthalmology. What Is Glaucoma? – https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
National Eye Institute. Glaucoma – https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma
American Optometric Association. Glaucoma – https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/glaucoma