Glaucoma Progression

Glaucoma, a degenerative eye disorder that affects over three million Americans, is the leading cause of blindness. Often asymptomatic at its onset, glaucoma may be undetectable until vision is impaired. Affecting peripheral vision first, if glaucoma is left untreated, vision loss may continue to progress, eventually resulting in total blindness. Below is a brief overview of glaucoma progression. To learn more, or if you would like to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, DocShop’s directory can help you find a glaucoma specialist in your area.

Changes in Vision as Glaucoma Develops

Because glaucoma occurs in several different forms, the changes to a person’s vision vary depending on the type of glaucoma they have.

Open-angle glaucoma progression occurs with few or no symptoms until the condition reaches an advanced stage. As intraocular pressure rises the optic nerve becomes damaged, causing patients to lose their peripheral vision.

Closed-angle glaucoma develops suddenly in response to a rapid rise in intraocular pressure. This form of glaucoma requires immediate medical attention, as permanent vision loss can develop within a day of the attack. Symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Reddening of the eye
• Severe eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Tunnel vision

Tunnel vision refers to a condition in which peripheral vision is lost but central vision remains. The result is a constricted, tunnel-like field of vision. If the disease is not treated, the visual field will become increasingly narrow, obscuring central vision, until finally glaucoma progression results in blindness in the affected eye or eyes.

Asymptomatic

At the onset of open-angle glaucoma, no symptoms are evident. Vision stays normal and there is no pain. Frequent, routine eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma. The results of these periodic evaluations are compared at regular intervals to determine if glaucoma progression has occurred. Learn more about glaucoma tests and diagnosis.

Loss of Peripheral Vision

Although glaucoma progression may or may not exhibit distinct symptoms, without early treatment, vision loss is almost inevitable. Generally, glaucoma progression begins at the peripheral vision, the part of vision that occurs outside the very center of gaze; however, glaucoma can also affect central vision. Early vision loss is often subtle and may go unnoticed. Moderate to severe vision loss may be noticed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist during an exam. Often, glaucoma is undetected until the patient experiences tunnel vision. Waiting for discernable vision loss symptoms to occur is not the optimal method of care. Glaucoma is incurable, but progression can be prevented or slowed by glaucoma treatment.

Blindness

Glaucoma progression can worsen vision, and if left untreated, total vision loss may occur. Despite effective advancements in the treatment of glaucoma, vision lost to the disease is permanent. Medications and surgery have been effective in slowing glaucoma progression, but there is no cure. Diagnosing glaucoma as early as possible is key to countering eventual blindness. Routine vision exams are recommended, especially for individuals over the age of 40 who are at a higher risk for glaucoma.

Among African Americans in the United States, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Statistics show African Americans suffer glaucoma at a rate of three times that of Caucasians and experience complete vision loss four times more frequently. Between the ages of 45 and 64, glaucoma is 15 times more likely to result in blindness in African Americans than in Caucasians.

Contact a Doctor for More Information on Glaucoma Progression

Since glaucoma often does not present any symptoms in its earliest stages, it is imperative that those who are at a high risk for developing glaucoma receive regular eye exams and checkups. Glaucoma is incurable. Vision lost to glaucoma progression can not be restored. However, with treatment, glaucoma progression can be slowed and further degeneration of vision avoided. Locate a glaucoma specialist near you using the DocShop directory.