Vision loss from glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision (what you can see on the side of your head when looking ahead) first. It’s like looking through a tunnel. Later, it will affect central vision, which is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks like reading and driving. Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains. Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but certain groups are at higher risk. These groups include all people over age 60, people with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans over age 40, and people who have diabetes. African Americans are six to eight times more likely to get glaucoma than whites. People with diabetes are two times more likely to get glaucoma than people without diabetes.
Not every person with increased eye pressure will develop glaucoma. Some people can tolerate higher levels of eye pressure better than others. Also, a certain level of eye pressure may be high for one person but normal for another. Whether a person develops glaucoma depends on the level of pressure their optic nerve can tolerate without being damaged. This level is different for each person. That’s why a comprehensive dilated eye exam is very important.
Glaucoma is treated with eye drops, oral medicine, or surgery (or a combination of treatments) to reduce pressure in the eye and prevent permanent vision loss. If you are diagnosed with Glaucoma, take medicine as prescribed, and tell your eye care specialist about any side effects. You and your doctor are a team. If laser or surgical procedures are recommended to reduce the pressure in your eye, make sure to schedule regular follow-up visits to continue to monitor eye pressure.
There is no cure (yet) for glaucoma, but if it’s caught early, you can preserve your vision and prevent vision loss. Taking action to preserve your vision health is key.