Glaucoma
Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness, is characterized by an increase in fluid pressure within the eyeball and a hardening of the surface of the eye. This increased pressure causes abnormal changes in the Optic Nerve and defects in the field of vision.
Glaucoma at a Glance:
- Affects more than 3 million people living in the United States.
- Is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans, who should begin glaucoma tests as early as age 35.
- Is caused by increased pressure in the eye due to a buildup of excess fluid.
- Results in a loss of peripheral or side vision, which affects your ability to move about safely.
- May also affect reading, as loss of visual field may result in being able to read only one word at a time.
- Can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve if left undetected and untreated.
- Is particularly dangerous to your vision because there are usually no noticeable symptoms at first.
Possible Signs of Glaucoma:
There are various types of glaucoma that can occur and progress without obvious symptoms or signs. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common, and symptoms are slow to develop. As this types of glaucoma progresses, you may notice that your side, or peripheral, vision is failing, causing you to miss objects out of the side and corner of your eye.
If you are suddenly experiencing the following symptoms, you may have angle-closure glaucoma and should seek immediate treatment:
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Halos around bright lights
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