According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of those have been formally diagnosed.

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that have few symptoms in their early stages, but eventually lead to damage of the optic nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that carries information from the eye to the brain), which can then lead to vision loss or complete blindness. It usually affects the peripheral vision first and advances differently in each eye — so patients often don’t notice glaucoma symptoms until damage has occurred.  Our vision simulator can show you how glaucoma can impact the way you see (select Glaucoma from the eye condition options).

In recognition of Glaucoma Awareness Month, MyEyeDr. wants you to understand the different types of glaucoma and the best vision care habits for managing the disease and preventing vision loss.

Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. The adult onset can start earlier than age 40 and could continue to progress with age (Glaucoma Research Foundation). In open-angle glaucoma, there is an imbalance in the production and drainage of the clear fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye (the space between the cornea and the iris). Most people who have open-angle glaucoma do not notice a change in their vision at first because the initial loss of vision is of side or peripheral vision, and the visual acuity or sharpness of vision is maintained until late in the disease (American Optometric Association).

Closed Angle Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure inside your eye builds because fluid is not flowing out of your eye as it should. You may experience a sudden onset of nausea, pain, or vomiting that is related to the condition and develops over time. In the event the condition progresses, you may realize that your sight is deteriorating and that you are losing the edges of your field of vision.

The good news is there are treatments for glaucoma.  Regular eye exams can provide early detection and early treatment which will help you preserve your vision with both types of glaucoma. Although no cure currently exists, glaucoma treatments are available to help manage the disease. MyEyeDr. works closely with individuals to detect glaucoma early and prevent further vision loss due to the disease. Our trusted community doctors provide exceptional eye care services to all patients. To detect and treat glaucoma and other vision issues early on, schedule your next eye exam.