Generally, glaucoma is caused by pressure in the eye due to fluid backup that results in damage to the optic nerve. More than three million people have glaucoma, and it’s considered the second most common cause of blindness.
Difficult to Notice Glaucoma
One of the more worrying things about glaucoma is that it is difficult for the person suffering from it to notice or detect on their own. In advanced stages, however, Glaucoma can be painful and tiring. Eventually it can hurt the optic nerve so much that some or all of the vision in that eye is permanently damaged, starting with the peripheral vision and sensitivity to light.
The human eye is always in motion in a liquid environment. A fluid called aqueous humor which is the clear fluid filling the space in the front of the eyeball between the lens and the cornea and helps keep the eyes moist and protected. Blinking aids this process. The eye always has a certain amount of fluid moving around.
If something causes a disruption, things can get out of balance. Consider the example of a balloon that changes shape when pressure is applied in one area, and it bulges out in another. In the case of glaucoma, excess pressure in one area can move the fluid around.
Too much pressure on the area where the optic nerve leaves the eye can affect the critical nerve cells that relay information to the brain. In time, the cells may begin to deteriorate and cause permanent blindness.
CDC Reports on Glaucoma
The CDC reports that around 50 percent of people with glaucoma start suffering a loss of vision before they realize they have it. While they may feel some pressure, they write it off as a headache or generalized eye pain due to something else.
Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams that include a painless test for glaucoma is recommended. The frequency of these tests should increase as you age. The Mayo Clinic suggests going for an exam every 5 to 10 years for those under 40 years old, every 2 to 4 years for ages 40 to 54, every 1 to 3 years for aged 55 to 64, and every 1-2 years for +age 65 and over. If an eye care professional determines that you are at higher risk or showing early signs of glaucoma, they may want you to start coming in more often for more observation.
These schedules should be accelerated if there is a history of glaucoma in your family, any past eye-related trauma or pre-existing conditions including diabetes. Further, African Americans and Latinos are more likely to suffer from Glaucoma than other ethnic groups.