Glaucoma
Austin, Texas

Glaucoma is a condition that results in damage to the optic nerve. If it is detected early enough, glaucoma can be treated, but 10% of those who receive treatment will still suffer loss of vision. Because there are no obvious signs or symptoms of glaucoma, you can protect yourself by getting screened for glaucoma at the Austin, Texas area Howerton Eye Clinic by Dr. Berkowitz.

Causes of Glaucoma

The damage to the optic nerve is due to elevated intraocular pressure. The elevated pressure could be caused by a number of different factors, and depends upon the type of glaucoma. Unfortunately, the cause of optic nerve damage in normal tension glaucoma is not always known.

Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Everyone is at risk for developing glaucoma, but high risk factors include:

• Age - People over 60 are much more likely to get glaucoma
• Ethnicity - People of African, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Irish and Russian decent are more likely to develop glaucoma
• Eye injury - An injury can lead to secondary glaucoma and those who have been injured should have follow-up exams to look for elevated pressure in the eye
• Family history - Primary open angle glaucoma, the most common type, is hereditary
• Other risks - Including high myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas, hypertension, and diabetes

Though most glaucoma cases may not have any symptoms before vision loss begins, closed angle or acute angle glaucoma will involve the sudden onset of blurred vision, eye pain, halos, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.

Diagnosis for Glaucoma

Regular screening for glaucoma is key to early detection and treatment. You should undergo glaucoma testing as part of your vision exam:

• Every 2-4 years before age 40
• Every 1-3 years age 40-54
• Every 1-2 years age 55-64
• Every year age 65 and older

Those who have higher risk should be screened every one to two years beginning at age 35.

Treatment for Glaucoma

Because there are no signs or symptoms of glaucoma, you may not know you have it until it is too late to do anything about. Treatment options for glaucoma include eye drops, glaucoma surgery, and selective laser treatment. There is no cure for glaucoma, and it must be treated and monitored for life. You must continue to use glaucoma medication according to your doctor's instructions.

For more information, see Questions About Glaucoma

If you fall into a high risk group for glaucoma or need to be screened for it and are in the Austin, Texas area, please contact the experienced ophthalmologists at Howerton Eye Clinic today.