What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve over time.  Our optic nerves are what tell our brain what we see all around us.  In the most common form of glaucoma, Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma, nerve cells slowly die prematurely reducing the amount of information the eye is telling the brain.  Unfortunately, it is a silent disease because there are no symptoms until it has caused major losses to your vision.

The first area that glaucoma affects is the peripheral vision.  Loss of peripheral vision causes an increase in falls, tripping, and driving accidents.  Fortunately, when you have your eyes checked, we do three separate tests during each eye exam to check for glaucoma.  This includes measuring intraocular pressure, examining the optic nerve, and testing peripheral vision.  If glaucoma is suspected, additional tests are performed for confirmation and setting a treatment course.  Fortunately, glaucoma is a very treatable eye disease if caught and treated early.