Causes and Risk Factors of Glaucoma

Not always. Elevated eye pressure, a condition called ocular hypertension, is a key risk factor but does not guarantee glaucoma. Some people have high pressure without nerve damage, while others develop glaucoma with normal pressure. A true diagnosis depends on assessing the optic nerve and peripheral vision for actual damage using specialized tests.

In its most common form, open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why it is sometimes called the silent thief of sight. The first sign is typically a gradual, painless loss of side or peripheral vision. As the disease progresses, this can lead to tunnel vision where only the center of your visual field remains clear.

An eye doctor uses multiple tests together to confirm glaucoma and monitor its progression. These include:

• Tonometry to measure eye pressure
• Gonioscopy to visualize the eye's drainage angle and determine the type of glaucoma
• Ophthalmoscopy to examine the optic nerve head for signs of damage
• Visual field testing, or perimetry, to map out any loss of side vision
• Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, to create a detailed image of the optic nerve fibers and track changes over time

The main types of glaucoma include:

• Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, where drainage canals gradually become blocked over time.
• Angle-closure glaucoma, a sudden blockage of fluid drainage that is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
• Normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure readings.
• Secondary glaucoma, which results from another disease, injury, medication, or eye condition.
• Congenital glaucoma, a rare form present at birth due to abnormal eye development.

Treatment is focused on lowering eye pressure to protect the optic nerve and slow disease progression. Our ophthalmologists at ReFocus Eye Health Hatboro offer a range of treatment options tailored to each patient's needs:

• Prescription eye drops to reduce fluid production or improve drainage
• Laser therapy to improve the outflow of fluid from the eye
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, or MIGS, that use microscopic devices to reduce pressure
• Conventional filtering surgeries for more advanced cases

There is no guaranteed way to prevent glaucoma. However, regular comprehensive eye exams allow for early detection, and prompt treatment can dramatically slow or prevent vision loss from occurring. People with risk factors may benefit from more frequent exams starting at a younger age.

Yes, glaucoma has a strong genetic component. Close family members of a person with glaucoma should have regular comprehensive eye exams, typically starting at a younger age than standard recommendations, to check for early signs of the disease. Early detection in family members can prevent vision loss before it happens.

While lifestyle changes alone cannot treat glaucoma, they can support overall eye health and complement medical treatment. Helpful habits include engaging in regular moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, limiting caffeine intake, and wearing protective eyewear to prevent injuries. Always follow your ophthalmologist's treatment recommendations for best results.

Yes, though it is rare. Congenital glaucoma can be present at birth, and other forms can develop in childhood or adolescence. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to protect a child's vision from irreversible damage. If you notice any signs of eye problems in your child, schedule an eye exam right away.

If left untreated, glaucoma will cause progressive and irreversible vision loss that can eventually lead to blindness. With early diagnosis and consistent treatment, most people with glaucoma are able to preserve their sight throughout their lifetime. This is why catching glaucoma early through regular eye exams is so important.