National Glaucoma Awareness - 1/24

Learn more about glaucoma and potential risks after the age of 65.

National Glaucoma Awarenes

Vision issues remain a major problem for older adults. One in three people over the age 65 have a vision reducing disease. Glaucoma is one of the more common vision-reducing disorders. Glaucoma is characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss that may lead to blindness. It is the leading cause of blindness in United States and is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. According to the CDC, about 3 million Americans have glaucoma. 

Glaucoma is a disease that results in the damage to the optic nerve. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in the visual field. This damage is believed to be caused by a buildup of fluid known as aqueous humor that puts increased pressure on the eye. Aqueous humor is a clear gel-like eye fluid that normally flows throughout the inside of the eye. This fluid’s function is to bathe and nourish the lens and maintain the shape of the eye. The fluid drains out through a tissue called the trabecular meshwork which aids in maintaining the eye’s normal pressure. If the drainage system does not function properly, the rate of the fluid output is slowed, or there is an overproduction of fluid in the eye, the pressure in the eye starts to increase. Often there are no symptoms in the beginning, but without treatment individuals with glaucoma will slowly began to lose their peripheral vision. Some individuals call this tunnel vision because it appears as though you are looking through a tunnel. Over time, central vision will also begin to decline resulting in total blindness. 

Although everyone is at risk for developing glaucoma, there are several factors that place you at higher risk for getting this disease. These risk factors include race and ethnicity. Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics have a higher rate of developing glaucoma. Family history and medical history also plays a role in developing glaucoma. Individuals who have a family history of glaucoma and those people who have been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or sickle cell are at higher risk. Individuals who have thin corneas in the center or have high intraocular pressures are also at risk.

There are two common types of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, and acute angle closure glaucoma. Of the two types, open angle is the most common. It has no symptoms, other than a slow, gradual vision loss that could be missed without your annual eye checkups. This loss maybe so gradual that an individual can begin suffering from irreversible damage without notice. If the flow of aqueous humor is suddenly blocked the rapid buildup of fluid may cause a quick, painful increase in pressure. This is known as acute angle closure glaucoma often called narrow angle glaucoma. This is a medical emergency! Contact a doctor immediately if you develop the following symptoms: severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting, eye redness, sudden visual disturbances, sudden blurred vision and seeing colored rings around lights. Routine eye exams should be performed each year, as well as biannual comprehensive exams for those individuals that are at risk. 

Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, however, symptoms can be controlled and well as prevented. Treatment typically consists of surgery and eye drops. Self-care practices can aid in the early detection of glaucoma which can prevent vision loss and slow the progress. Be sure to get regular eye exams with dilation. Eye exams can help to detect glaucoma early before significant damage occurs. Ask your ophthalmologist for the right screening schedule for you. It’s important to know your family’s eye health history. If glaucoma runs in your family, you are at increased risk and may need more frequent screening. Regular, moderate exercise can help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Incorporate an exercise program into your daily routine. Take glaucoma eyedrops as prescribed. Eyedrops should be used regularly even if you have no symptoms. Eyedrops can significantly reduce high eye pressures stopping or slowing the progression of glaucoma. Wear eye protection while using power tools or playing high racket sports. This will reduce the risk of serious eye injuries.

-Inecia Stewart, MSN, CCRN, RN-BC

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Don’t Let Glaucoma Steal Your Sight! Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/glaucoma-awareness.html on January 19, 2022

Healthline. Glaucoma. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/glaucoma#symptoms on January 19, 2022

Mayo Clinic. Glaucoma. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839?p=1 on January 19, 2022

National Eye Institute. Glaucoma. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/glaucoma.html on January 19, 2022