January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.

What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of disorders that causes damage to the nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain (the optic nerve).

What causes glaucoma? Fluid is always flowing in and out of your eye. This fluid supplies the inside of the eye with important nutrients to keep it healthy. When glaucoma is present the fluid does not flow as it should. As a result there is a buildup of pressure inside the eye. This pressure can cause damage to the nerve at the back of the eye if it remains high. This high pressure can lead to blindness over time.

Types of Glaucoma The types of glaucoma include: Open-angle glaucoma, also known as wide-angle glaucoma. It makes the eye appear normal but prevents fluid from draining from the eye properly. The second type of glaucoma is Angle-closure glaucoma, which is also known as acute, chronic angle-closure, and narrow-angle glaucoma, is less common. It can cause a sudden build-up of pressure in the eye. Drainage may be poor. The angle between the iris and the cornea can be too narrow, preventing fluid from leaving the eye. Congenital glaucoma is seen in children from birth. This is caused by poor development of the parts eye. Secondary Glaucoma is caused by other problems in the eye or the body, such as tumors, cataracts or diabetes.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary from one individual to the next. But can include:

• Vision Loss • Eye Redness • Hazy Eye (Infants in particular) • Seeing Halos Around Lights • Nausea and Vomiting • Eye Pain • Narrowing of Vision (Tunnel Vision)

How is Glaucoma treated?

Glaucoma can be treated with any of the following: • Eye drops that lower eye pressure • Laser therapy that allows for better drainage of fluids inside the eye • Eye surgery to create a new drainage canal

If not treated, glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness. Glaucoma is easily detected with a medical eye examination. Ophthalmologists (medical eye doctors) can measure the pressure inside the eye with a quick and painless, office test. Glaucoma doesn’t have to interfere with leading a happy, sighted and fulfilling life.

Detecting the disease early can save your sight!

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