Understanding Glaucoma

A ball whizzes by your head. A friend waves from the side to get your attention. A kid jumps out from behind a parked car. In all these instances, your peripheral vision alerts you to motion that is happening so you can react appropriately. You’re able to catch the ball, you walk down the path to say hello, or you hit the brakes just in time. Now imagine a world where you only have tunnel vision with no periphery, and you can quickly realize the difference that would make. This is the reality for the millions of people living with glaucoma. 

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease of the optic nerve that starts with loss of peripheral vision but can eventually lead to complete vision loss. The optic nerve head is the cable that connects the eye to the brain. It acts much like a computer cable and has over a million wires (fibers) that transmit this information. With glaucoma, there is an increasing loss of these fibers every year. Due to the lack of pain and the brain attempting to fill-in vision using the other eye, patients have no idea until significant vision loss has occurred.

At a comprehensive eye examination, our doctors assess multiple data points to determine if there is a risk for glaucomatous damage. Family history of glaucoma, especially in parents or siblings, increases the likelihood. Patients do a quick clicker test to check peripheral vision and will do a more complete one if any concerns are seen. A scan of the optic nerve is also performed to see if any abnormal loss of fibers is noted. The internal eye pressure is recorded, and our doctors carefully evaluate the eye and nerve for any glaucomatous damage. 

Contrary to popular belief, glaucoma isn’t always due to high pressure of the eye. However, it is the one factor that can be changed by either eye drops or procedures. If optic nerve damage or peripheral vision loss is noted, we will decide the best treatment plan together! Regardless of how well you’re seeing, it is important to get your eyes checked every year. Our goal is to ensure you don’t have to go through life with blinders on.