Glaucoma is the third most common cause of blindness in the United
States.
Glaucoma is increased pressure within
the eyeball. Increased pressure occurs when the fluid within the eye
(called aqueous humor), which is produced continuously, does not
drain properly. The pressure pushes on the junction of the optic
nerve and the retina at the back of the eye. This reduces the blood
supply to the optic nerve, which carries vision from the eye to the
brain. This loss of blood supply causes the individual nerve cells
to progressively die. As the optic nerve deteriorates, blind spots
develop in the field of vision. Peripheral vision (side vision) is
affected first followed by front or central vision. Without
treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness.
Source: Merck Manual
If detected early, further vision
loss and blindness may be prevented with treatment.
Who should be tested? Anyone...
-
who is more than 45 years of age
-
who has a family history of glaucoma
-
who anyone who has abnormally high pressure in
the eyes
-
who are of African descent
-
who has diabetes
-
who are nearsighted (have myopia)
-
who has a history of regular, long-term steroid
or cortisone use
-
who has had a previous eye injury.
Heart Screen offers initial glaucoma screening using
a simple puff test using a non-contact tonometer.
When detected
early glaucoma can be treated.
