Gluacoma: What You Need to Know About The Silent Thief of Sight.

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve within the eye. The optic nerve is a bundle of over 1 million nerve fibers that are responsible for transmitting signals from your eyes to your brain. Did you know that Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness across the entire planet? More than 60 million people worldwide are affected by this blinding condition. Nearly 3 million people in the United States alone suffer from Glaucoma. What’s even more shocking is that this number is expected to grow as years progress. The most detrimental fact about Glaucoma is that nearly half of those suffering from this condition are unaware that they even have it. 

Most people are unaware that they have Glaucoma because this condition does not come with symptoms in its most common types. There are eight different types of glaucoma: primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, normal-tension Glaucoma, Angle-Closure Glaucoma, Acute Glaucoma, Pigmentary Glaucoma, Exfoliation Syndrome, Trauma-Related Glaucoma, and Childhood Glaucoma. As you could have guessed, there are many different causes for Glaucoma. Causes linked to this disease include genetics, injury, and increased pressure within the eye seems to be a common contributing factor to optic nerve damage. 

In Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma, there are no symptoms. Additionally, this type of Glaucoma affects approximately one percent of Americans. In POAG, the pressure within the eye gradually increases, causing damage to the optic nerve. Once a significant amount of damage occurs to the optic nerve, vision begins to deteriorate. There is not a cure for this type of Glaucoma, but there are many treatment options. These treatment options include oral medication, surgery, and drops. 

In Normal-Tension Glaucoma, the pressure within the eye remains in the normal ranges, but damage still occurs to the optic nerve. It is believed that this damage may occur as a result of poor blood flow through the optic nerve. This type of Glaucoma is still under research. 

In Angle-Closure Glaucoma, the chamber through which the eye naturally drains fluids is abnormally small. As pressure increases, this “angle” through which fluid is drained becomes smaller, hence the name. 

In Acute Glaucoma, pressure rapidly increases within the eye. Symptoms of Acute Glaucoma include pain in the eye, swelling of the cornea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around light. When this occurs, the patient should seek help immediately, as it is an emergency situation. 

Pigmentary Glaucoma is an inherited version of Open-Angle Glaucoma where the pigment within the eye may shed and “clog” the chamber where the fluid is naturally drained from the eye. With this type of glaucoma, it affects people in their twenties and thirties, and commonly affects those who have trouble seeing far distances. Those suffering from nearsightedness have abnormal distortions in the anatomy of their eye, which may play a role in why they’re most commonly affected by this type of Glaucoma. 

Exfoliation Syndrome is similar to Pigmentary Glaucoma in the sense that pigment is disconnected from the eye and clogs the chamber through which fluid is naturally drained from the eye. The difference with Exfoliation Syndrome is that a white-ish material similar to dandruff builds up on the eye, and when it is rubbed, it attaches to the pigment within the eye, causing the pigment to break off as well as the white material. 

Trauma-Related Glaucoma and Childhood Glaucoma both give away information within their names. Obviously, Trauma-Related Glaucoma is caused by an eye injury such as a penetrating injury or chemical burn. This is why it is important to have your eyes checked after an injury occurs. Childhood Glaucoma occurs at birth most commonly. However, Glaucoma can form during the earlier stages of a child’s life and vision is often saved through surgery.

Although each type of Glaucoma is different, there is one thing that is true in each type: early detection is crucial. This is true because once vision loss occurs, it is irreversible. Glaucoma can be detected through comprehensive eye exams. It is recommended to have these exams annually, but it may be necessary to have an exam done more often, especially if you have family members that suffer from glaucoma. Those with a family history of glaucoma have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. Others who are at a higher risk for developing Glaucoma include everyone over the age of 40, those who have increased pressure within the eye, those who have diabetes, nearsightedness, a previous eye injury, or abnormal blood pressure. Glaucoma most commonly affects those of African, Asian, or Latino Descent, so that could also be a deciding factor in how often comprehensive exams may be necessary. As always, it is best to discuss with your doctor your risks, and how often you should receive an exam.  If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph’s office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

Attributions: http://glaucomafoundation.org/

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

 

 

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness across the globe*. Glaucoma alone affects more than 60 million people worldwide, and nearly 3 million people nationwide*. Glaucoma can cause blindness, and vision loss resulting from glaucoma is irreversible. Nearly half of those who suffer from Glaucoma are unaware they even have it*. Due to these unsettling facts, it is very important for us to educate people and bring awareness to this disease. f

 

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve- a bundle of over 1 million nerve fibers that are responsible for transmitting signals from the retina to the brain. 

 

How Does Vision Loss Occur from Glaucoma?

Vision loss occurs as a result of damage to the optic nerve. This damage occurs when the eye is unable to drain fluid naturally, which causes abnormally increased pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve. 

 

How is Glaucoma Cured?

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and vision loss suffered as a result of Glaucoma is permanent. There are, however, multiple treatment options to help those dealing with Glaucoma. 

 

What Treatment Options are there for those Suffering from Glaucoma? 

Treatment options can vary. Treatment options range from oral medications to laser surgery. Some treatment options for Glaucoma are eye drops, Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, Laser Peripheral Iridotomy, Cycloablation, and traditional surgery. Traditional surgery can entail an implant to help the eye drain fluid on its own, or a new opening can be created for fluid to be passed through. 

 

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma? 

In its early stages, Glaucoma shows no symptoms. As the condition progresses, however, vision loss or distorted vision can occur. 

 

What are the Different Types of Glaucoma? 

There are many different types of Glaucoma, including:

• Open-Angle Glaucoma- this type of Glaucoma affects more than 50% of those with the condition. Open-Angle Glaucoma occurs when fluid is draining too slowly and causes a build-up of pressure within the eye.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma- this type of Glaucoma occurs with a normal amount of pressure within the eye, but damage to the optic nerve occurs as in the other forms of Glaucoma. This type of Glaucoma can also be referred to as Low-Tension Glaucoma.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma- this form of Glaucoma is hereditary. Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs when the angle of the chamber through which fluid is drained is smaller than normal, causing fluid to build up within the eye. 
• Acute Glaucoma- This type of Glaucoma occurs suddenly and can be very painful. Acute Glaucoma is very similar to Open-Angular Glaucoma, except it rapidly occurs over a very short period of time. Those who experience Acute Glaucoma should seek help immediately. 
• Pigmentary Glaucoma- This type of Glaucoma occurs when pigment becomes detached from the back of the eye. When the pigment is essentially rubbed off from the back of the eye, it can become lodged in the meshwork of the eye, inhibiting the eye from draining fluid normally and can cause a build-up of pressure. 
• Exfoliative Glaucoma- This type of glaucoma can occur in some patients with a condition called Exfoliation syndrome. Similarly to Pigmentary Glaucoma, this occurs when pigment detaches itself from the back of the eye and clogs the meshwork. According to the Glacucoma Research Foundation, those with Exfoliation Syndrome experience rapidly progressing symptoms compared to those with normal Open-Angular Glaucoma. They also state that Exfoliative Glaucoma has recently been linked to genetic abnormalities.
• Child Hood and Trauma-Related Glaucoma- Both of these types of glaucoma give away all the information you need to know within their names. Obviously, childhood glaucoma occurs within children, but more specifically this type of glaucoma occurs most commonly in infants and very young children. Childhood glaucoma often occurs as a result of genetics or abnormal fetal development. With trauma-related glaucoma, open-angular glaucoma can occur as the result of blunt-force trauma to the eye, or an injury-causing penetration of the eye. Glaucoma as a result of injury can occur anywhere from minutes to years after the injury. 

 

As always, early detection of Glaucoma is necessary to preserve vision and prevent blindness. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call us. The number to our Kansas City location is 816-455-2020. Our St. Joseph’s office location can be reached by calling 816-279-7015.

 

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