What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve-the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers. When damage to the optic nerve occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the optic nerve is destroyed, blindness occurs.
Early detection and treatment by your ophthalmologist are the keys to preventing optic nerve damage and blindness from glaucoma.
What causes Glaucoma?
Clear liquid called aqueous humor circulates inside the front portion of the eye. To maintain a healthy level of pressure within the eye, a small amount of this fluid is produced constantly while an equal amount flows out of the eye through a microscopic drainage system.
Because the eye is a closed structure, if the drainage area for the aqueous humor- called the drainage angle-is blocked, the excess fluid cannot flow out of the eye. Fluid pressure within the eye increases, pushing against the optic nerve and causing damage.
How is Glaucoma detected?
Regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma. A glaucoma screening that checks only the pressure of the eye is not sufficient to determine if you have glaucoma. The only sure way to detect glaucoma is to have a complete eye examination.
Information provided by EyeCare America. EyeCare America is a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The program provides eye care services to seniors and for those who are at increased risk for glaucoma. More than 90 percent of the care provided by the physician is at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. Learn more on their website.
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