Often referred to as “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma affects 80 million people each year — and as many as half have not yet been diagnosed.
Glaucoma is a group of chronic eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and lead to irreversible vision loss. It is the second leading cause of blindness in the world and there is no cure. In most cases, glaucoma is a result of increased intraocular pressure (IOP), and the goal of treatment is to maintain a safe IOP through medical and/or surgical therapy.
Most glaucomas progress slowly, but there are also cases of acute angle-closure glaucoma where symptoms will be abrupt and obvious. If you experience sudden blurred vision, severe eye pain, eye redness, decreased vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, or rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights, this is a medical emergency.
We often think of glaucoma as a disease of the old. If you are under the age of 40, you may not feel the need to have an eye exam today. However, the sooner glaucoma is detected, the better your prognosis.
You may be at higher risk for glaucoma if you are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage, or if you have a family history of glaucoma. However, glaucoma can affect anyone at any time. For the Black population, the disease is likely to occur 10 years earlier than in other ethnic populations. Close to 300,000 children worldwide have glaucoma.
Challenges of living with glaucoma
Regardless of the type of glaucoma you have, treatment will be lifelong and you will need to see your doctor regularly. Following an initial diagnosis, you may need to have your eye pressure checked every week or month until it is under control. Most patients will be prescribed a daily regimen of eyedrops, sometimes to be taken several times a day. Adhering to your treatment is very important. There are also surgical interventions to treat glaucoma. If surgery is indicated, you will need additional pre- and post-op appointments with your doctor.
If you are experiencing low vision — vision that cannot be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses — you may benefit from low vision therapy to improve your ability to perform daily tasks and thrive in your home and work life. An optometrist might provide optical and electronic devices; an occupational therapist can introduce you to adaptive equipment and techniques; an orientation and mobility instructor can teach you how to navigate your space; and a psychologist can help if you’re struggling.
Worrying about your eyesight, managing your medication, and getting to all of your appointments is stressful. The cost of treatment may be burdensome. If you are at a high risk for glaucoma, Medicare will cover some eye care. Tragically, it will not cover low vision rehabilitation. If you are underinsured, organizations like the Center for Vision Health, the American Glaucoma Society, Prevent Blindness, EyeCare America, and All Children See may be able to help.
The bottom line
Regular eye exams are vital to protect the health of your eyes. Be proactive. Develop a good working relationship with your doctor. Ask a lot of questions. Talk about your concerns. Together, you and your doctor can protect your eyesight.
