glaucoma_imageOne of the reasons we publish our blog is to help you learn about eye health. One eye disease that many people don’t have a lot of information about is glaucoma. Our eye specialists can give you more information about the signs of glaucoma and today’s treatments for this disease, which can sneak up on a person, especially with age. We invite you to read this post and also to learn more by calling us at 303-772-3300. We can schedule an eye exam for you, including a glaucoma test.

Patients often hear the word “Glaucoma” and can’t imagine how it could ever happen to them.  However, during the aging process the eyes become more vulnerable to disease and deterioration with each passing year.  Anyone who has any worries about glaucoma and lives near Boulder, Colorado (or near our other offices in Lafayette, Longmont or Greeley) should find a vision specialist who can help monitor them and help provide them with the greatest present and future health.  Dr. Rothstein and Dr. Sheth are our two experienced glaucoma specialists with a wealth of knowledge and wisdom.  With periodic testing, patients can stay ahead of this condition and help prevent the eventual loss of vision that glaucoma can cause if left undetected.

What is Glaucoma?

Often a misunderstood eye disease, and for good reason, glaucoma is complex and sometimes leaves the general public with more questions than answers.  There are some basic facts about glaucoma that might help people understand the basics a little bit better.

Glaucoma is traditionally defined by multiple signs and symptoms, usually including at least a couple of the following: elevated intraocular pressure, optic disc cupping and visual field loss.  Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness when left untreated.  Additionally, even patients who are diligent about having regular eye care appointments might suffer from blindness.  Approximately 10 percent of people who have glaucoma-induced blindness were found to have followed all the necessary precautions.  However, that doesn’t mean that people should take risks.  It is imperative that one makes an effort in order to give them the greatest odds for good eye health.  Chances are, if patients don’t monitor their eye care, there could be ultimately devastating consequences.  The resulting regret over not having taken every precaution might feel worse than losing vision, in spite of every effort.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, although scientists continue to work toward a solution for this disease.  That doesn’t mean all is lost for those who suffer from glaucoma.  Eye care specialists will work to halt the progression of the disease and take every measure to save their patients’ vision.  Eye doctors approach this disease with a treatment that includes a combination of medication and surgery.  Many patients have open-angle glaucoma, which is a chronic condition that requires care and monitoring for one’s entire life.

While commonly associated with those of older age, anyone is susceptible to the possibility of developing glaucoma.  Infants and young adults alike have also been known to develop this disease, though not as common in this age group.

Key point” Our eye doctors want to ensure that patients are as informed as possible about glaucoma, and that’s why we encourage everyone to be monitored for signs of the disease. The scariest aspect of glaucoma is that it can develop and progress without giving the patient any indication through symptoms, so unless the patient has regular eye exams, they could go for years while the disease progresses and causes irreversible damage to their vision.  Without monitoring, the first indication patients might experience is the loss of vision in their peripheral line of sight.