Glaucoma is a disease that affects nearly 3 million people and the numbers are on the increase as our population ages. As a Baby Boomer this statistic concerns me both as an eye doctor and an aging patient. Presently, there is no cure for Glaucoma. However, with early detection progressive loss of vision can be prevented or slowed down. There lies the problem: early detection. Many patients have no visual symptoms and fail to schedule annual eye examinations. The key to preventing loss of vision is identifying risk factors, early detection, and treatment. Vision or glaucoma screenings are not a substitute for the comprehensive examination by your eye doctor.
Over my 40 plus years of practicing, the approach to diagnosing and treating glaucoma has changed. This has required yearly continuing education to remain up to date. Even the definition of the disease has changed. It is no longer just defined as increased eye pressure. Now, many types of glaucoma with different presentations have been diagnosed and classified. By definition, the one common feature is that glaucoma is an optic nerve disease that without treatment can cause blindness. The optic nerve (being the second cranial nerve) does not regenerate or recover once damaged. With the use of sophisticated optical imaging systems, the early loss of optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber tissue can now be measured. This is essential to the treatment and management of the disease.
I write this blog not to drum up business for optometrists or ophthalmologists, but to increase awareness about this serious and potentially visually threatening disease. I have been in the trenches and witnessed firsthand the consequences of patients failing to get early detection and then poor compliance following through with treatment. So, to my fellow patients and friends: Be proactive and answer the following questions. If the answer is YES to one or more of the following, it is time to do something preventative and see your eye doctor!
- Are you over 40 and has it been over 2 years since your last eye examination?
- Do you have a family member that has had or is presently being treated for glaucoma?
- Are you Diabetic? Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea or atrial fibrillation?
- Have you experienced recent changes in your vision?
R.L. Hartman OD, FAAO
