Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, that transmits the images you see from the eye to the brain. The optic nerve is made up of over one million nerve fibers (like an electric cable with its numerous wires). Glaucoma damages these nerve fibers and can cause blind spots and vision loss.
No one knows for sure what causes most glaucoma, but lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) helps. When the aqueous humor (a clear liquid that normally flows in and out of the eye) cannot drain properly, pressure builds up in the eye. The resulting increase in IOP can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
You may be at risk for glaucoma if you have one or more risk factors, including:
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Family history of glaucoma
- Certain optic nerve conditions
- African or Hispanic ancestry
- Advanced age
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower your eye pressure to prevent or slow further vision loss. Ophthalmology Associates uses a full complement of diagnostic equipment, eye drops, lasers, and surgeries to monitor and control your glaucoma.
Because it has no noticeable symptoms, glaucoma is a difficult disease to detect without regular and complete eye exams.