What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that carries the images we see from the eye to the brain.
The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers. Glaucoma slowly damages these nerve fibers, which can cause blind spots in vision and lead to peripheral vision loss.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. It most often occurs in adults over age 40, but it can also affect young adults, children, and even infants. In African Americans, glaucoma occurs more frequently, at an earlier age, and with greater loss of vision.
Unfortunately, many people with glaucoma are unaware they have it, as there are typically no early warning signs. Glaucoma is known as the “sneak thief of vision” because sight is often preserved until late in the disease, when irreversible and permanent damage has already occurred.
Types of Glaucoma: Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma & Normal Tension Glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. It typically has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why glaucoma is often called the “sneak thief of vision.” If left untreated, advanced stages of the disease can result in blindness.
People at risk for glaucoma may have one or more risk factors, including elevated intraocular pressure, a family history of glaucoma, certain ethnic backgrounds, older age, or specific optic nerve conditions.
The greatest risk factor for glaucoma is increased intraocular pressure. However, even people with normal intraocular pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma. This condition is known as normal tension glaucoma.
In normal tension glaucoma, the optic nerve is damaged despite intraocular pressure being within the normal range. While this form of glaucoma is not fully understood, lowering optic nerve damage has been shown to slow disease progression.
Normal tension glaucoma is seen more commonly in people of Asian descent.
Glaucoma-Related Symptoms
Glaucoma gradually reduces peripheral vision, and by the time it is noticed, permanent damage has often already occurred. In the later stages of glaucoma, tunnel vision can develop as peripheral vision is lost. This loss may affect activities such as driving and balance.
Glaucoma is typically asymptomatic unless there is an acute spike in eye pressure, which is rare. When this occurs, symptoms may include nausea, headache, or vomiting. This condition is known as angle-closure glaucoma.
As with many diseases, early detection and treatment, along with proper treatment compliance and follow-up, are critically important to monitor eye pressure and minimize long-term harm.
Glaucoma is monitored using specialized diagnostic equipment and peripheral visual field testing. These tests are typically performed annually. People at higher risk for glaucoma due to elevated intraocular pressure, family history, age, or optic nerve appearance may require more frequent visits.
Glaucoma examinations and glaucoma treatments are available at LaserVue Eye Center in San Francisco and Santa Rosa.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma describes a condition in which the production of fluid in the eye exceeds its outflow. Normally, the fluid produced in the eye, called the aqueous humor, flows out continuously through a triangular tissue in the eye’s drainage angle where the cornea and iris meet. This structure is known as the trabecular meshwork.
With certain risk factors or trauma, this drainage system can become slowed or impaired, causing eye pressure to increase.
The following are the biggest risk factors of glaucoma:
Age
The risk of developing glaucoma increases with age, particularly after age 60.
Ethnicity
People of Asian descent are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma than other ethnic groups. African Americans over age 40 and Hispanics over age 60 are also at increased risk for open-angle glaucoma.
Increased Intraocular Pressure
Elevated intraocular pressure is the biggest—and the only treatable—risk factor for glaucoma. However, only about half of Americans with glaucoma will show elevated eye pressure when measured at a single visit. This is because eye pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day.
Consistent screening with an ophthalmologist is important so intraocular pressure can be measured over time and trends of elevated pressure can be identified.
Trauma
Certain eye injuries can alter the structure of the drainage canal, increasing the risk of glaucoma. It is important to have your intraocular pressure checked by an eye doctor as soon as possible after experiencing any blunt trauma to the eye.
Low Blood Pressure
Low blood pressure has been linked to a higher risk of glaucoma due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. In other words, insufficient blood supply may increase the likelihood of optic nerve damage.
What Are the Treatments for Glaucoma?
While there is no cure for glaucoma, its progression can be slowed down through various means. Treatment options are influenced by how advanced the disease is and if the patient is an appropriate candidate for a given treatment. Most treatments aim to prevent further damage to the optic nerve by lowering the pressure in the eyes.
Treatment options fall into one of 3 categories:
Glaucoma Medications
The most common treatment for glaucoma is prescription eye drops. Pills are sometimes used, but only as a temporary measure before surgery. The goal of these medications is to decrease intraocular pressure by either promoting drainage of excess eye fluid, or reducing eye fluid production.
For those patients who have difficulty taking daily medicated eye drops for glaucoma, Durysta, the dissolvable implant, may be a great option. During a brief in-office procedure, our doctor will insert the implant that will slowly and continuously release medication to help lower eye pressure. Durysta’s sustained and targeted drug delivery, which can last for months, eliminates the need for daily eye drops.
There are also preservative free eye-drop options for those with reactions to preservatives or dry eye syndrome.
Laser eye surgery for glaucoma
At LaserVue Eye Center, we utilize a variety of laser procedures to treat both open and closed-angle glaucoma, tailoring our approach to each patient’s particular need.
Laser surgeries for glaucoma include the most advanced technology of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) and Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI). We also offer MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery) options.
Our team of comprehensive ophthalmologists have decades of combined experience in glaucoma surgery and disease management.
Laser eye surgery for glaucoma
In certain circumstances where drops are not tolerated or not working properly, patients with early to moderate glaucoma may benefit from Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), where the doctor implants a small device to promote drainage of the fluid inside the eye. These are commonly inserted at the time of cataract surgery.
The doctors at LaserVue Eye Center are proud to offer the diagnoses and treatment of Glaucoma at our two convenient locations in San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Please call 1-800-527-3745 to book your consultation today.
Why Should You Choose LaserVue?
Our all-inclusive pricing covers more than just your surgery. At LaserVue, our mission is to care for your long-term vision health, not just your eyes. With this in mind, we offer you a comfortable journey from start to finish:
Modern Technology: We never compromise on using the most advanced technology for your care, ensuring your best possible results.
Custom Treatment: We will find the vision correction procedure that is best for you, not a profit model.
Post-Operative Care: Your pricing includes all of your post-operative exams and care.
Medical and Vision Insurance
You can achieve once-in-a-lifetime clear vision using your insurance. Since benefits vary significantly, you can speak to an expert counselor at LaserVue to better understand your expected savings for vision correction.
FAQ
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye). It can lead to vision loss and, if left untreated, blindness.
Are there different types of glaucoma?
Yes, there are several types of glaucoma, with the two most common being open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Other types include normal-tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma, among others
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Glaucoma often develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include peripheral vision loss, blurred vision, eye pain, and halos around lights.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
Yes, there is a hereditary component to glaucoma. If you have a family history of the condition, your risk of developing glaucoma may be higher.
What is the difference between open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma?
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and develops gradually with a wide, open angle between the iris and cornea. Closed-angle glaucoma is less common and occurs suddenly when the iris blocks the drainage angle.
Can glaucoma medications interact with other medications I’m taking?
Yes, glaucoma medications can interact with other medications you may be taking for different medical conditions. These interactions can affect the effectiveness of either the glaucoma medication or the other medications you’re using. It’s essential to inform all your healthcare providers about the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and eye drops.
How often should I have an eye exam to check for glaucoma?
It is recommended to have regular eye exams, especially if you have risk factors for glaucoma. Your eye doctor can determine the appropriate frequency based on your individual risk profile.
Are there any medications that can help lower intraocular pressure?
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye). It can lead to vision loss and, if left untreated, blindness.
What are the risk factors for developing glaucoma?
Risk factors for glaucoma include age (particularly after age 60), family history, high intraocular pressure, African or Hispanic ancestry, certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure), and eye injuries.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Glaucoma is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include measuring intraocular pressure, assessing the optic nerve, and conducting visual field tests.
Can glaucoma be prevented?
Glaucoma cannot always be prevented, but early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial for early diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
Is glaucoma curable?
Can glaucoma lead to blindness?
Glaucoma Doctors in the San Francisco Bay Area
Jay Bansal, MD
Your LASIK & Cataract Surgeon in Northern California
Stephanie Wangyu, MD
Ophthalmologist
Hannah Walsh, OD, MSc
Doctor of Optometry
Francesca Sefton, OD
Doctor of Optometry
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