"It's a very slow eating away of your vision."
Glaucoma - Take the Eye-Q Test - Are You At Risk?
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. Fifty million people are at risk for vision loss from this eye disease. Are you one of them? Do you know what the risk factors are and how to reduce yours?
Q. Glaucoma is more common in Blacks than Whites.
A. True. In a
study funded by the National Eye Institute, researchers at The John Hopkins
University reported that glaucoma is 4-5 times more likely to occur in Blacks than
Whites. Additionally, glaucoma is 4 times more likely to cause blindness
in Blacks than in Whites.
Q. Glaucoma tends to run in families.
A. True.
Although glaucoma tends to run in families and is a strong risk factor, a hereditary basis has not been
established. If someone in your immediate family has glaucoma, you should
have you eyes examined through dilated pupils every two years. Also at risk are elderly people (over 60 years old) with high blood pressure,
diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and those with very high nearsighted or
farsighted prescriptions.
Q. A person can have glaucoma and not know it.
| A. True. The
early stages of open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, usually have no
warning signs. It is estimated that 50% of Americans with glaucoma are not
aware that they have it. As the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma
may notice their side vision gradually decreasing, but this is usually not until
significant vision loss has occurred. "It's a very slow eating away of your vision." |
|
Q. Eye pain is often a symptom of glaucoma.
A. False.
People with glaucoma usually experience no pain from the disease.
Q. Glaucoma can be controlled.
A. True.
Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it usually can be controlled by eye drops, conventional surgery, or laser surgery. Sometimes eye care
professionals will recommend a combination of surgery and medication.
Studies have shown that over a 5 year period, medications and surgery show
approximately the same outcome.
Q. Glaucoma is caused by an increase in eye
pressure.
A. True. In
glaucoma, for reasons still not fully understood, fluid drains too slowly out of
the eye (see diagram below). As the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises.
Unless this pressure is controlled, it may cause damage to the optic nerve and
other parts of the eye, and loss of vision.
Q. Vision lost from glaucoma can be restored.
A. False.
Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent. However, with early detection and treatment,
the progression of visual loss can be slowed, or halted, and the risk of
blindness can be reduced by up to 90%.
Q. A complete glaucoma exam consists only of
measuring eye pressure.
A. False. A
measurement of eye pressure by tonometry, although a very important part of a
comprehensive exam, is by itself, not sufficient for the detection of
glaucoma. Glaucoma is detected most often during an examination through
dilated pupils. This means drops are put into the eyes during the exam to
enlarge the pupils, which allows the doctor to see more of the inside of the
eye. When indicated, a visual field test will be performed.
Q. People at risk for glaucoma should have an
eye examination through dilated pupils.
A. True. An
eye examination through dilated pupils is the best way to diagnose
glaucoma. Individuals with an increased risk should have their eyes
examined through dilated pupils every year by an eye care professional.