In honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month, which took place in January, this article highlights the importance of early detection, treatment options, and risk factors associated with glaucoma.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when dysfunction of the natural fluid draining process of the eye leads to fluid buildup and subsequent pressure on the optic nerve within the eye. This pressure ultimately leads to damage of the optic nerve, resulting in blindness.1
Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the United States. As many as 50 percent of individuals with glaucoma are unaware they have the condition.2
Early Signs and Diagnosis
In its early stages, glaucoma typically has no symptoms.2 However, an eye doctor can diagnose it through a dilated eye exam, which involves examining the shape and color of the optic nerve. Other tests may include checking eye pressure, field of vision, drainage angle, and corneal thickness.2 While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, early detection and treatment are crucial.2
Who is at Risk?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing glaucoma, including a family history of the disease and being over 60 years of age. Individuals who are Black and over 40 years of age, as well as Asian American, Hispanic, or Latino populations, are also at higher risk.2
Understanding the Cause
Though the exact cause of glaucoma remains unclear, research shows that elevated eye pressure is a common factor in individuals with the condition. Treatments aimed at lowering eye pressure can help slow the disease’s progression.4
Treatment Options
The most common treatments for glaucoma include eyedrops, laser treatments, and surgery. Eyedrops are typically the first line of defense and are effective in managing the most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, by reducing eye pressure.5
Laser treatments may be used to help drain excess fluid and alleviate pressure. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove part of the eye’s drainage tubes to improve drainage.4
Sources
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment. Published Oct 29, 2024 Accessed Feb 26, 2025. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
- National Eye Institute. Glaucoma awareness month. Updated 8 Jan 2025. Accessed 20 Jan 2025. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/outreach-resources/glaucoma-resources/glaucoma-awareness-month
- Glaucoma Research Foundation. (Testing for glaucoma). 2025. Accessed 27 Jan 2025. https://glaucoma.org/understanding-glaucoma/testing
- National Eye Institute. Glaucoma. Updated 10 Dec 2024. Accessed 20 Jan 2025. https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/glaucoma
- NHS UK. (Glaucoma–treatment). Reviewed 26 Feb 2021. Accessed 27 Jan 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/glaucoma/treatments/
