WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Nahndi Bush, M.D. • August 5, 2020

What Is Glaucoma

Many of us have heard of glaucoma, but don’t quite know what it is. We know

that it is something that can cause blindness, and may even know someone who has

it. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, a bundle of nerve fibers behind your

eye that carries visual information between the eye and the brain. In glaucoma,

optic nerve fibers gradually die, and blind spots in the vision develop. If not

detected and treated, those blind spots silently grow and start to affect vision.

Damage is not reversible, and eventually blindness can result. Glaucoma is most

often detected in adulthood, but forms can develop at birth, during childhood or

adolescence.

HOW CAN MY DOCTOR TELL IF I HAVE GLAUCOMA?

A complete eye exam involves checking the eye pressure, which refers to the

pressure of the fluid within the front part of your eye. This pressure depends on the

balance of fluid being made and draining within the eye. It is even more important

to examine the optic nerve itself, by looking directly at it with special lenses,

performing digital photography of the optic nerves, or doing scanning

measurements of the nerve tissue. The optic nerve is sensitive to fluctuations in eye

pressure – some peoples’ eyes can tolerate higher pressures with no problem, while

others may begin to develop optic nerve damage at normal eye pressures.

Lowering the eye pressure with medications, laser treatments or surgery can

stabilize glaucoma and prevent vision loss.

My vision is fine and I have no family history of glaucoma. Do I really

need to be checked?

Yes. At least once a year if you are 40 or older. Glaucoma is a silent, devastating

condition that has no symptoms until it reaches the advanced stages. If it is

diagnosed at that time, the damage cannot be reversed. If signs of glaucoma are

detected early, while vision is still good, people can maintain good vision for the

rest of their lives. Regular examinations and testing, and treatment with

medications, laser or surgery can protect the vision that allows us to maintain our

freedom and independence as we age. Knowing is power. Invest in that power by

scheduling an eye exam for yourself and your loved ones, and it will pay dividends

to you for many years to come.

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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the United States. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams in New Jersey essential for protecting long-term vision health. More than four million Americans are currently living with glaucoma, and many do not realize they have it. The condition damages the optic nerve, typically due to increased eye pressure, and often begins by affecting peripheral vision. Without early detection and treatment, this vision loss can become permanent. Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma? While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors can increase your risk, including: Being over the age of 60 Having a family history of glaucoma Belonging to certain ethnic backgrounds Living with diabetes or high eye pressure Understanding your personal risk and scheduling routine glaucoma screenings in New Jersey can make a meaningful difference in preserving your sight. The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams The most effective way to detect glaucoma early is through a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This exam allows your eye care provider to measure eye pressure, evaluate the optic nerve, and check for subtle changes in your field of vision—often before symptoms appear. Book Your Glaucoma Screening in New Jersey At NJ Eye and Ear, our ophthalmology and optometry team provides personalized care using advanced diagnostic technology to help patients detect and manage glaucoma as early as possible. This January, take a proactive step toward protecting your vision. Book your glaucoma screening in New Jersey today and safeguard your sight for the future.