Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness. It is estimated that glaucoma affects one in every fifty adults. Although glaucoma can occur at any age, the risk of developing glaucoma increases dramatically after age 35.

Glaucoma is actually a series of diseases which damage the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve and retina causes blind spots in the field of vision.

Glaucoma is usually caused by an increase in the fluid pressure in the eye – either because of overproduction of fluid or when the drainage system of the eye becomes blocked. The higher pressure inside the eye causes damage to the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss.

The early symptoms of chronic open angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma, are often unnoticed –there is no discomfort or pain. Most people do not detect a change in their vision until there has actually been a significant loss of vision. Later, central vision becomes affected, with mild headaches and difficulty with night vision. If left untreated, total blindness will result. However, the patient with acute closed angle glaucoma may experience more noticeable symptoms, including blurred vision, severe pain, nausea, and halos around lights.

In most cases, glaucoma is detected in a routine eye examination. Special instruments are used to check the fluid pressures in the eye, and a magnifying lens is used to examine the drainage channels for proper fluid outflow.

With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can almost always be controlled and vision preserved. Sadly, glaucoma cannot be cured and once vision has been lost it cannot be restored.

Remember, vision loss from glaucoma is permanent but can usually be prevented with early detection and treatment. That means that regular eye exams (always important) are especially important for people over 35 or those in other high risk groups.