Glaucoma Questions
Austin, Texas

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease where the optic nerve is damaged, which leads to irreversible loss of vision. It is caused by a buildup of fluid inside the eye and causes increased pressure. This is called intraocular pressure. The symptoms of glaucoma may not be noticed until it is too late.

What types of glaucoma are there?

There are two main types of glaucoma:

• Open angle glaucoma - The most common type of glaucoma is also called wide-angle glaucoma. Fluid does not flow correctly through the drain of the eye called the trabecular meshwork
• Angle-closure glaucoma - Also known as acute or chronic angle closure glaucoma, as well as narrow-angle glaucoma. This may be caused due to poor drainage due to a narrow angle between the iris and cornea. Another cause may be the pupil opening too wide, which narrows the angle and blocks the flow of the fluid through the channel

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Symptoms may or may not be present in those suffering from glaucoma. This is why it is important for everyone to be screened regularly for the disease. One of the first symptoms is loss of peripheral vision. There may be sudden spikes in intraocular pressure which can cause headaches, blurred vision, halos, or sudden pain in the eyes. Other signs of glaucoma include vision loss, redness in the eyes, nausea or vomiting, narrowing of vision or tunnel vision.

How is glaucoma treated?

Treatment for glaucoma includes:

• Prescription eye drops - Fluid is reduced in the eyes, which increases the outflow.
• Laser surgery - Laser surgery can increase the outflow of the fluid in open-angle glaucoma or eliminate blockage in angle-closure glaucoma.
• Microsurgery - A new channels is created to drain the fluid in a procedure known as a trabeculectomy. Patients may need something called a glaucoma implant.

While glaucoma can be treated and monitored, there is no cure for it. Speak with Austin Eye Surgeon, Dr. Berkowitz about which treatment may be best for you.

Who is most at risk for glaucoma?

Though everyone has some risk of developing glaucoma, it most often occurs in people 40 and older. Those who have an increased risk include:

• People of African, Asian, Hispanic, Russian, Irish, and Scandinavian decent
• Family history of glaucoma
• Diabetes
• Poor vision
• Take corticosteroid medication

If you have any more questions about glaucoma and are in the Austin, Texas area, please contact the experienced eye surgeons at the Howerton Eye Clinic today.