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OVERVIEW

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that may cause loss of vision. It occurs as a result of changes in the optic nerve. Pressure from a buildup of fluid in the eyeball is a major risk factor for glaucoma. Normally, this fluid nourishes your eye and keeps it healthy. After the fluid circulates, it empties through a drain in the front of your eye. In people who have glaucoma, the drain in the eye is blocked and the fluid can’t run out of the eyeball. Instead, the fluid builds up and causes increased pressure in the eye.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

The main symptom of glaucoma is vision loss, especially loss of peripheral vision. However, half of all people who experience loss of vision caused by glaucoma are not aware they have the disease. By the time they notice loss of vision, the eye damage is severe.

Rarely, an individual will have an acute (sudden or short-term) attack of glaucoma. In these cases, the eye becomes red and extremely painful. Nausea, vomiting and blurred vision may also occur.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

Who gets glaucoma?

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Being 60 years of age or older
• Belonging to certain ethnic groups
• A family history of glaucoma
• High pressure in the eyes
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Heart disease
• Near-sightedness (it is difficult for you to see objects in the distance)

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How do I know if I have glaucoma?

You won’t know you have glaucoma until you notice vision loss. Since glaucoma usually causes no symptoms other than vision loss, it is important that you have a complete eye exam by an ophthalmologist regularly. An ophthalmologist is a healthcare provider who is trained to provide care for the eyes, including the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist can measure your eye pressure, examine your optic nerve and evaluate your central and peripheral vision. Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma can prevent damage to the eye’s nerve cells and prevent severe vision loss.

How often should I have an eye exam?

Low risk adults age 20-64 years should undergo an eye examination at lease every 2 years.  Adults 65 years and over should undergo an eye examination annually.

TREATMENT

What is the treatment for glaucoma?

The purpose of treatment is to lower the pressure in the eye to prevent further nerve damage and vision loss. Glaucoma is usually treated with medicated eye-drops. When eye‑drops don’t help relieve pressure, surgery or laser treatments are usually done. Medicines that can be taken orally (in pill form) can sometimes be prescribed as well, but are not commonly used.

COMPLICATIONS

How does increased pressure damage your eye?

The increased pressure destroys the nerve cells in the eye, which leads to vision loss. At first, you may have blind spots only in your peripheral (side) vision. If your glaucoma isn’t treated, your central vision will also be affected. Vision loss caused by glaucoma is permanent.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

• What is the right treatment for me?
• Will I have to continue my treatment for the rest of my life?
• Is surgery an option for me?
• Should I continue to drive?
• Can I continue with my current activities?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I should make?
• Should I see an ophthalmologist?
• Will my glaucoma get worse?

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Canadian Association of Optometrists
https://opto.ca/health-library/about-glaucoma