by Diana Kohnle
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Glaucoma describes a group of eye disorders that causes damage to the optic nerve. This degenerative eye disease is one of the leading causes of chronic blindness in the US.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States. Within the eye, fluid is made and then drained from the eye. If either the fluid is made too quickly (not common) or drains too slowly, then the pressure of the eye can increase, leading to damage to the optic nerve.
This damage to the optic nerve can lead to a decrease in peripheral vision and may eventually cause blindness.
Open-angle glaucoma can often be controlled well with proper treatment, and most patients who receive treatment will maintain their vision.
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The exact cause of open-angle glaucoma is unknown. However, factors that play a role in causing the disease include:
- Older ageAging may cause the aqueous humor to drain or be absorbed less efficiently.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase your chance of developing open-angle glaucoma:
Family history of glaucomaGlaucoma in one eyeThis increases the risk of developing glaucoma in the other eye.Increased intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye)Ethnic backgroundAfrican Americans and Hispanics are at a greater risk of glaucoma.DiabetesInjury to the eyeCertain eye abnormalities (eg, congenital defects) SymptomsMany patients with open-angle glaucoma experience few or no symptoms until the disease has progressed to the very late stages. Other symptoms may include:Loss of peripheral visionTunnel visionBlindness DiagnosisYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following: Eye exam with pupil dilationTonometry a test to determine intraocular pressure Visual field test to determine vision lossSlit lamp examinationPhotographs of the optic nerveExamining the outflow channels of the angle (gonioscopy)Analysis of the nerve fiber layer around the optic nerve Treatment The goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include: MedicationsEye drops, and rarely pills, are often administered to reduce intraocular pressure.Laser treatmentLaser treatment may be used to reduce intraocular pressure in some people.SurgerySurgery may be done to open a new outflow channel from the eye. PreventionOpen-angle glaucoma cannot be prevented, but treatment can reduce the risk of vision loss. To help reduce your chance of vision loss caused by open-angle glaucoma, proper treatment of the condition is necessary. Since most people dont have any symptoms of having glaucoma, regular eye examinations are extremely important, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent vision loss.
RESOURCES: The Glaucoma Foundationhttp://www.glaucomafoundation.org/ Glaucoma Research Foundationhttp://www.glaucoma.org/index.php CANADIAN RESOURCES: Glaucoma Canadahttp://www.glaucomacanada.com/ Glaucoma Research Society of Canadahttp://www.glaucomaresearch.ca/ References: Blindness. World Health Organization website. Available at: http://www.who.int/topics/blindness/en/ . Distelhorst J, Hughes G. Open-angle glaucoma. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030501/1937.html . Accessed June 27, 2007. Facts about open-angle glaucoma. Medhelp website. Available at: http://www.medhelp.org/NIHlib/GF-21.html#5 . Accessed June 27, 2007. Glaucoma. US National Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001620.htm . Accessed June 27, 2007 Last reviewed November 2007 by Marc Ellman, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
