The Facts About Glaucoma
When adults have their routine eye exams, they commonly have a test for glaucoma. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can cause vision loss and blindness. As with most eye issues, early detection and proper treatment can lessen the damage and protect the eyes against serious vision loss.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
In the beginning stages of glaucoma, vision is normal and there are no symptoms or pain. However, as the disease progresses, a person may experience a loss of side or peripheral vision or have tunnel vision. If left undiagnosed and untreated, a complete loss of vision will occur. Symptoms that become apparent as the disease progresses include:
- Blurred vision
- Noticeable loss of peripheral vision
- Difficulty adjusting to low light conditions
“Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some people are at a higher risk,” said Ryan Bisbey, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist at Penn Highlands Eye Center. “People most at risk include those over age 60; people with a family history of glaucoma; those of Hispanic/Latino descent; and African Americans over age 40.”
He continued, “What is alarming is that nearly half of the people in the U.S. who have glaucoma do not even know that they have it. It has been called the ‘sneak thief of sight’ since there are not any symptoms and once vision is lost, it is permanent; that’s why annual eye exams are very important.”
How is Glaucoma Treated?
Optometrists and ophthalmologists have the equipment to perform a comprehensive examination that can detect whether there’s any sign of glaucoma. Early treatment for glaucoma can delay further progression of the disease. The most common treatment is with eye drops to help lower eye pressure, although laser treatment and surgery can sometimes be required.
The eye surgeons at Penn Highlands Eye Center treat thousands of glaucoma patients each year and are highly skilled at the laser and conventional surgeries used to combat the effects of the disease. Penn Highlands Healthcare offers glaucoma surgery at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk.
To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/eyes.
