What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause progressive damage of the optic nerve at the point where it leaves the eye to carry visual information to the brain. If left untreated, most types of glaucoma progress (without warning nor obvious symptoms to the patient) towards gradually worsening visual damage and may lead to blindness.

Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight" because it typically develops slowly over many years, and people may not notice vision loss until the disease has progressed significantly. By the time symptoms appear, permanent damage has often already occurred.

The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops gradually and painlessly. Other types include angle-closure glaucoma, which can occur suddenly and is a medical emergency, and normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure.

Risk factors for glaucoma include age (people over 60 are at higher risk), family history of glaucoma, certain medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and prolonged use of corticosteroid medications. People of African, Hispanic, or Asian descent are also at increased risk.

The good news is that glaucoma can be detected through comprehensive eye examinations, which include measuring eye pressure, examining the optic nerve, and testing peripheral vision. Early detection and treatment can slow or prevent vision loss.

Treatment options for glaucoma include eye drops, laser treatment, and surgery, depending on the type and severity of the condition. The goal of treatment is to lower eye pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

During World Glaucoma Week, we encourage everyone, especially those at higher risk, to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Regular eye check-ups are the best way to detect glaucoma early and preserve your vision for life.