Glaucoma is often called the 'sneak-thief of sight' because it slowly steals vision without providing any warning. This is one reason why regular eye exams are so important - especially after the age of 40. The incidence of glaucoma increases with age, and is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. In most cases this is preventable. While it is often considered to be a disease caused by pressure in the eye, it is really much more complicated than this. In fact, some researchers suggest that as much as 50% of glaucoma may occur without apparent high pressure. A number of risk factors increase vulnerability and combine to create the events that lead to glaucoma in any given individual. Some of the common risk factors are high intra-ocular pressure (IOP), poor blood flow due to diseases like diabetes, age, race, heredity, and high myopia (near-sightedness). Individuals with a history of migraine, Raynaud's syndrome, or hypothyroid, may also be at greater risk for some types of glaucoma. There are a number of different types and causes of glaucoma.
Diagnosing glaucoma can often be difficult. Once glaucoma is suspected by your eye doctor, a number of tests can help confirm the diagnosis. These tests essentially look for evidence of damage to the nerve fibers which carry information from the retina to the brain (through the optic nerve). Damage to the optic nerve usually progresses very gradually, and usually spares the central vision, permitting 20/20 vision until late in the disease. There are typically no symptoms until advanced stages of the glaucoma. When detected and treated early, damage from glaucoma can be prevented.
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