What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that causes gradual damage to the optic nerve because of a build-up of fluid in the eyeball. The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain. As many as half the people with glaucoma don't know they have it because loss of vision occurs slowly until a significant amount of nerve damage has occurred. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in Americans. Approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and it is estimated that another 2 million do not know that they have the disease.

Signs and Symptoms: Often there are no symptoms or pain in the early stages of the disease. Some people may experience blurred vision or loss of peripheral vision, though.

Diagnosis

Only an eyecare professional can accurately diagnose glaucoma. Tests performed during a regular eye exam will allow your eye doctor to determine if you have the condition. For more on the basics of eye exams, click here.

Causes/Risk Factors

· Diabetics
· African Americans
· Those with a family history of the disease
· People over 60
· High blood pressure
· Had a previous eye injury
· nearsightedness

Prevention

Comprehensive eye exams are the most important component to ensuring overall healthy vision. To find an eye doctor in your area, use our Doctor Locator to the left.