Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of vision loss, involves progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Fortunately, glaucoma is highly treatable. The key to preventing serious vision loss or blindness from glaucoma is early detection. An annual, fully dilated eye examination is recommended.

There are two basic types of glaucoma. They include:

Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type that occurs in approximately 90 percent of those who suffer from the disease. This condition can develop gradually and be undetected for years, slowly damaging vision. In early stages of open-angle glaucoma, medicated eye drops are usually prescribed to lower the eye's pressure. If the condition worsens, a laser procedure called a trabeculoplasty is performed to lower pressure further. Laser therapy usually takes approximately 10 minutes and has achieved excellent success rates in select patients.

Angle-closure glaucoma, which is much more rapid in the onset, affects less than ten percent of glaucoma patients. Symptoms occur suddenly and are much more severe, but vision can be preserved with prompt, effective treatment. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma, or narrow-angle glaucoma, is generally initiated with laser iridotomy to open the drainage channels of the eye.

How do I know if I am at risk for glaucoma?
There are several segments of the general population are at risk for glaucoma. They include advancing age, particularly individuals over the age of 60; African Americans; siblings or children of glaucoma patients; people who are extremely nearsighted or farsighted; and patients with diabetes.

Can glaucoma be prevented?
No. However, if glaucoma is detected early enough, the damage to the eye can be stabilized.

Can glaucoma be treated?
Yes. With early detection and treatment, we can usually prevent serious vision loss or blindness from glaucoma.

Does glaucoma testing take long?
Not at all. You can be screened for glaucoma in less than 30 minutes.

Does glaucoma testing hurt?
No. The tests are painless and leave no after-effects. Results of the tests will be discussed by the eye doctor during the visit.

What if the screening shows that there is a problem?
At that point, further examination is recommended to confirm glaucoma. If the diagnosis of glaucoma is confirmed, the sooner we begin treatment, the better.

What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
That's the good news. There are a number of highly effective treatment options for glaucoma patients. Most patients are started on eye drops as the initial treatment. Laser therapy may be appropriate for certain forms of glaucoma. Finally, if medical or laser therapy fails to control the disease, surgical therapy may be necessary. Fortunately, with early detection, most forms of glaucoma can be successfully treated and visual loss may be halted. The physicians and surgeons at Minnesota Eye Consultants have the latest in diagnostic and treatment options available for the earliest detection and most effective treatment.