Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that occurs when the pressure within the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. This is the main nerve that connects the eye to the brain and transmits impulses that are converted into the images that we see. Damage to the optic nerve can cause irreversible damage to our vision, and glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S. Glaucoma is surprisingly common, with recent research showing that more than three million Americans are suffering from the condition.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all patients have a complete eye examination that includes glaucoma screening at least once every three years – and more often as you age. This is because glaucoma is more common amongst older people.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Changes to the pressure within the eye can be caused by several different things. Most often, it occurs when the fluid inside our eyes is unable to flow out normally – such as due to blocked drainage channels. If this happens, it can cause the pressure within the eye to increase. Other potential causes of intraocular pressure changes include chemical injuries to the eye, traumatic injury, severe eye infections, and inflammatory conditions.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Changes to the pressure within the eye can be caused by several different things. Most often, it occurs when the fluid inside our eyes is unable to flow out normally – such as due to blocked drainage channels. If this happens, it can cause the pressure within the eye to increase. Other potential causes of intraocular pressure changes include chemical injuries to the eye, traumatic injury, severe eye infections, and inflammatory conditions.

Who is Likely to Experience Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can affect anyone at any time. However, there are some factors that will make someone more likely to suffer from this condition. These include:

• Being over 40 years old

• Having a family history of glaucoma

• Being diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension)

• Taking corticosteroids

• Being far-sighted (hyperopia)

• Having suffered from an eye injury in the past

• Having undergone eye surgery

Glaucoma Screening

Glaucoma screening is a very valuable service and the only way to comprehensively confirm a glaucoma diagnosis. There are usually multiple elements involved. These include:

A tonometry test. This is used to obtain a measurement of the inner pressure of your eye.

Ophthalmoscopy. This non-invasive test lets us see your optic nerve to determine whether it is damaged in any way. You will need eye drops to dilate your pupils ahead of an ophthalmoscopy test.

Visual field test. Also known as perimetry, this lets us see if you have any blind spots in your peripheral vision – a common indicator of glaucoma.

Gonioscopy. This is used to determine what type of glaucoma you are suffering from.

Pachymetry. Sometimes high intraocular pressure can be caused by an abnormally thick cornea. This test will tell us if this is the case.

Treatment for Glaucoma

Any damage that has occurred as a result of glaucoma is irreversible. But treatment can prevent any further damage from occurring. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the pressure inside your eye. There are a variety of solutions that can do this. The most common is the eyedrops. These work by improving how fluid drains from the eye, or by decreasing the amount of fluid that your eye naturally makes. There are a selection of different eye drops available, though it may be necessary to try several to find the one that works best for you.

If eye drops are unsuccessful, you may be recommended to try oral medications or other therapies. These include laser therapy and surgery. If there may be needed, our team will speak to you about them in more detail so that you know what to expect.

If you are concerned about glaucoma, don’t delay in seeking professional assistance. Contact our eye care center in Wichita Falls, TX to schedule your confidential appointment with our experienced and knowledgeable team.