• Home
• > Understanding Vision Loss
• > Causes of Vision Impairment
• > Glaucoma

Glaucoma

It might be...

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious condition that involves an elevation in pressure inside the eye caused by a build-up of excess fluid. Left untreated, this pressure can impair vision by causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve and, eventually, blindness. Glaucoma results in peripheral vision loss, and is an especially dangerous eye condition because it frequently progresses without obvious symptoms. This is why it is often referred to as "the sneak thief of sight."

There is no cure for glaucoma, although it can be treated. The damage to the optic nerve from glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, lowering the pressure in the eye can prevent further damage to the optic nerve and further peripheral vision loss.

Still, early detection, appropriate and ongoing treatment, and the availability of specialized low vision and vision rehabilitation services can help people with glaucoma live productive and satisfying lives. Starting as early as age 35, a pressure check for glaucoma should be an essential part of your annual routine eye examination. A visual field test will detect peripheral vision loss.

Glaucoma at a Glance:

• Affects more than 3 million people living in the United States.
  
  
• Is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans, who should begin glaucoma tests as early as age 35.
  
  
• Is caused by increased pressure in the eye due to a buildup of excess fluid.
  
  
• Results in a loss of peripheral or side vision, which affects your ability to move about safely.
  
  
• May also affect reading, as loss of visual field may result in being able to read only one word at a time.
  
  
• Can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve if left undetected and untreated.
  
  
• Is particularly dangerous to your vision because there are usually no noticeable symptoms at first.

Possible Signs of Glaucoma:

There are various types of glaucoma that can occur and progress without obvious symptoms or signs. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common, and symptoms are slow to develop. As this types of glaucoma progresses, you may notice that your side, or peripheral, vision is failing, causing you to miss objects out of the side and corner of your eye.

If you are suddenly experiencing the following symptoms, you may have angle-closure glaucoma and should seek immediate treatment:

• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Halos around bright lights

If you or a loved one are dealing with glaucoma, you can ask questions or share your story on the AFB Senior Site glaucoma message board.

For More Information:

• Finding Help & Support. There are some 1,400 agencies across the country devoted to helping individuals and families adapt to living with vision loss. This page is your gateway to the many support services available to people with vision loss.
  
  
• Changing Your Home. Almost any home—whether it's a house or an apartment—can be made safer and easier to navigate with a few straightforward and often inexpensive modifications.
  
  
• Daily Living. Suggestions and simple techniques that will help you to continue performing the tasks that make up your daily routine.
  
  
• National Eye Institute. Eye health information.
  
  
• National Eye Institute. Eye health information in Spanish.
  
  
• The Glaucoma Foundation
  
  
• Glaucoma Support Groups.
  
  
• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Glaucoma information in Spanish.
  
  
• Association of International Glaucoma Patient Organizations
  
  
• Prevent Blindness America. The Glaucoma Learning Center.
  
  
• Glaucoma Research Foundation.
  
  
• American Glaucoma Society.
  
  
• MedlinePlus. Glaucoma.
  
  
• American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF). National Glaucoma Research.

• E-mail this page
• Print this page
• Take Our Quick Survey!