The "Sneak Thief" of Sight
By Dr. Parag Gokhale, Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist
MCG Eye Care Associates

Augusta, Ga. -- Glaucoma is known as the "sneak thief" of sight, showing no symptoms until permanent eye damage has occurred. More than 2.2 million Americans ages 40 and older suffer from this disease, but regular check-ups can diagnose glaucoma early and prevent the vision loss and blindness associated with it.

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve becomes damaged and can result in vision loss. Glaucoma's cause is unknown, but there are many risk factors associated with it, primarily elevated fluid pressure in the eye. However, you can contract glaucoma even with low pressure levels; similarly, you can also have high eye pressure without having glaucoma. Proper evaluation of glaucoma, therefore, requires careful evaluation of the eye structure (with dilated eye exams) and function of the optic nerve in addition to checking fluid pressure in the eye.

Events such as Glaucoma Awareness Month, held annually in January, help emphasize the importance of regular visits to your eye professional, especially if you are at-risk for glaucoma. For this group of individuals, the National Eye Institute recommends a dilated eye exam every two years.

Risk factors include:

• Intraocular pressure. The higher the fluid pressure in your eye, the more likely you are to have glaucoma.
• Age. The risk of glaucoma increases as you become older, with those 40 and older at highest risk.
• Race. African-Americans are four to five times more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians, and they may develop it at a younger age. In addition, glaucoma is four times more likely to cause blindness in
• African-Americans than in Caucasians.
• Family History. Those with close relatives (a parent or sibling) with the disease are at higher risk.
• Eye Problems. Those with diabetes or extreme nearsightedness, or who have experienced eye injury or eye surgery, are at greater risk for glaucoma.
• Steroids. Extended use of steroid medication can result in glaucoma.

Unfortunately, no cure exists for glaucoma, and any damage that occurs is irreversible. However, if discovered early, there are several treatments available that can halt and even prevent further damage. Medications are available that can either cause the eye to produce less fluid or assist in fluid drainage. Different types of laser surgery can either decrease fluid production or increase fluid outflow. Incisional surgery can create new drainage canals in the eye to reduce pressure. The type of treatment depends on the patient's age and medical history, tolerance for the various treatments and medications, and expectations for the course and status of the disease.

Glaucoma is treatable. If you haven't visited your eye professional in the past two years and are at-risk for glaucoma, schedule an appointment today.

For more information on glaucoma, click here.