“When you are told that you have glaucoma, you immediately worry about blindness. You also need to figure out how to maintain your hobbies, interests, work and daily activities. There is a lot of fear and uncertainty that can be reduced through education and support.” Quote from person with glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that…
- Damage the eye’s optic nerve and cause vision loss.
- Can damage vision so slowly that a person may not notice any changes.
- Can be effectively treated if diagnosed early and treated effectively.
There are many forms of glaucoma. The most common forms are:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma. Symptoms can include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side to side and up/down) vision, usually in both eyes
- Tunnel vision (seeing a very small area directly in front)
- Angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms can include:
- Sudden, severe blurred vision
- Severe pain
- This form of glaucoma often affects one eye at a time
Other types of glaucoma can include: congenital, combined mechanism, narrow angle and normal tension. Click on the links below to learn more about the types and symptoms of glaucoma. The last link offers an interactive simulation of what glaucoma may look like for a person who is diagnosed.
- The Glaucoma Foundation http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/about_glaucoma.htm
- American Ophthalmology Association http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/glaucoma/index.cfm
- Glaucoma Vision Simulator http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/glaucoma/vision-simulator.cfm
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
In some cases, glaucoma can be prevented. Some common risk factors for glaucoma include:
- Increased eye pressure
- High blood pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- Being over age 60
- Having conditions such as: heart disease, diabetes, hypothroidism
- Long-term/frequent eye drop use
Click on the link below to learn more about risk factors for glaucoma.
How Glaucoma Affects the Eye
There is a clear fluid that flows in and out of your eye to hydrate tissue. When the fluid reaches certain areas, it drains through and leaves the eye. With glaucoma, the fluid either passes too slowly or is blocked from leaving the eye; causing pressure that damages the optic nerve. When the optic nerve is damaged from increased pressure, glaucoma/vision loss may result.
Click on this link to watch a video that shows how glaucoma affects the eye. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiT237l_WpQ
The Impact of Glaucoma
One focus for my research on this blog was the impact of the condition on quality of life for those who are diagnosed. I was surprised by the lack of research in this area. I did find one article from 2008 (Aspinall et. al.) which offered findings from a survey of clients who were asked which aspects of quality of life were most impacted by glaucoma. This study found that the most impactful challenges included:
- Reading and seeing in detail
- Darkness or glare from bright lights
- Fear of falling
- Isolation and depression due to lack of mobility
- Difficulty with cooking, cleaning and self care
- Bumping into things
- Tripping over objects
- Struggle to maintain work, volunteerism and social activities
- Anxiety, depression, fear and uncertainty
Click on the links below for more information related to the impact of glaucoma and tools for improving quality of life.
Getting an Early, Accurate Diagnosis
Many people have glaucoma and do not know it, because the progression can be so gradual. It is important to learn about glaucoma screening and reach out to an ophthalmologist if you have concerns. To diagnose glaucoma, an ophthalmologist (an MD focused on diagnosing and treating eye diseases) will usually recommend a comprehensive evaluation that should include an:
- History and physical exam
- Eye exam to assess the following:
- Pressure inside the eyes
- Ability to see to the sides, up, down and straight ahead
- Thickness of the cornea
- The condition of the retina and optic nerve
- Fluid drainage in the eye
Click here to find an Ophthalmologist near you – http://www.aao.org/find_eyemd.cfm
Click here to learn more about glaucoma screening and diagnosis: http://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/diagnostic-tests.php
Get Early, Effective Treatment
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, it is important to work with an experienced ophthalmologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you. The good news is that glaucoma can be effectively treated if caught early. In some cases, the client and family need to adjust their routine, environment and support team due to glaucoma symptoms.
Common treatments for glaucoma can include:
- Laser surgery
- Adaptive equipment/technology
- Support groups
- Staying active
- Eating healthy foods
- Non-medical home care
Click on the links below to learn more about glaucoma treatment guidelines, adaptive technologies and home care resources.
Get Involved and Fight Back!
Because there is no cure for glaucoma, those diagnosed will often feel a sense of loss and helplessness. This is a normal reaction that improves with time, treatment, education and support. The most successful clients have found hope and strength by getting involved in advocacy efforts that increase awareness and improve programs and services for people living with glaucoma.
Click on the links below to learn more about advocacy efforts that you can join.
- The Glaucoma Foundation: http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/Get_Involved.htm
- Glaucoma Research Foundation: http://www.glaucoma.org
We hope that this blog has been a source of information and hope.
Please use the comment box below to share any other stories, tools and resources that may help others. Thank you.
For more information, please review our Glaucoma Resources.