Glaucoma FAQs

There are multiple types of glaucoma, differentiated by how damage to the optic nerve occurs. In open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma, the drainage pathways in the eyes slowly collapse. Without drainage, intraocular pressure increases, leading to damage and vision loss. Another type is close-angle glaucoma, in which the lens of the eye grows thicker with age and pushes against the iris, closing the drainage pathway of the eye. Similar to open-angle glaucoma, without sufficient drainage, pressure builds up in the eye and causes damage. Acute angle closure glaucoma is characterized by a severe headache on one side of the head with blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and halos around lights. Cataracts, farsightedness, old age, and medications like Topiramate can increase your risk of developing acute angle closure glaucoma.0 Another less common form of glaucoma is secondary glaucoma, which occurs when glaucoma is a secondary condition to another disease or form of trauma such as diabetes, sarcoidosis, or eye surgery. Secondary glaucoma can also occur after taking medications such as steroids. There are other forms of glaucoma that aren’t as common. If you have questions about which type of glaucoma you may have, it’s a good idea to reach out to an ophthalmologist for more information.

Often remaining undetected in its early stages before damage to the eye occurs, glaucoma symptoms occur later in the disease process. Gradually, as glaucoma increasingly affects vision, you may notice patchy spots on your peripheral vision and eventually your central vision. You may also experience blurred vision or halos near lights. It’s important to understand that these symptoms occur when damage has already occurred and could lead to further irreversible vision loss. To avoid glaucoma-related vision loss and blindness, contact your eye doctor to schedule regular eye exams. The type of glaucoma may also affect your specific symptoms.

Unfortunately, the first warning signs of glaucoma occur once you’ve already experienced vision damage. The best way to detect glaucoma at its early stage is to undergo regular eye exams to measure intraocular pressure, check for damage, and more.

Certain factors can increase your risk for developing glaucoma. Some risk factors include:

• History of glaucoma
• Previous eye injury or trauma
• History of other health issues (high blood pressure, diabetes, migraines, etc.)
• Have a long-term use of steroids
• Age (those over 40 years old are at a greater risk)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology refers to glaucoma as the “sneak thief of vision” because most forms of glaucoma are virtually undetectable except by screening in the office or once damage has already been done.

Glaucoma is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness. With screening and early intervention, your doctor can slow and, in some cases, completely stop the progression of glaucoma. Screening can also help detect other eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and more.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, those with healthy vision require a complete eye exam once in their 20s, twice in their 30s, and once more at age 40, when early signs of eye disease or vision changes begin to occur. Not everyone has the same risk for developing glaucoma. Individuals with increased risk factors such as family history or those who take certain medications may need additional screening. To learn how often you require a complete eye examination, contact a TPMG ophthalmologist today.

The treatment for glaucoma differs based on the type of glaucoma you have. For primary open-angle glaucoma, a procedure known as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is now preferred over traditional eye drops. Research indicates that after five years post-treatment, patients who received SLT experienced lower intraocular pressure, less deterioration in their visual field, and a lower likelihood of requiring major surgical interventions compared to those who used eye drops as their first treatment of choice. Other treatments include drops, pills, and in some cases, surgery depending on your condition. Talk with an ophthalmologist about what treatment will work best with you.

In addition to treating glaucoma itself, your provider may also suggest treatment of conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that could play a role. By improving your overall health, you can further address glaucoma.

There are no current treatments that can reverse vision loss caused by glaucoma. Therefore, the most effective approach is to catch glaucoma early to prevent any potential damage. Experts agree that adults starting at age 60 years old should be screened for glaucoma annually.

TPMG Ophthalmology offers comprehensive glaucoma screening and treatment. Contact our offices in Virginia Beach or Newport News today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn more about screening.

TPMG Ophthalmology in Newport News:  (757) 223-5321

TPMG Ophthalmology in Virginia Beach: (757) 440-1144