Early Detection and Physician Oversight Key to Glaucoma Treatment

ALBANY NY (05/21/2008)(readMedia)-- Governor Paterson’s recent diagnosis and treatment for acute glaucoma draws attention to the importance of early detection and treatment of this disease. While glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, when caught early, proper treatment by an ophthalmologist can nearly always prevent the loss of vision that can result from this disease. This is why the New York State Ophthalmological Society (NYSOS) encourages those at risk to receive regular examinations by an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in the treatment of the eye and visual system.

Governor Paterson was diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma which presents severe pain as one of its symptoms. However, the more common types of glaucoma usually have no symptoms, which is why they are so dangerous.

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and, over time, can lead to loss of vision. One of the primary causes of glaucoma is elevated intraocular pressure that occurs by the build up of natural fluid produced by the eye. When drainage channels in the eye are blocked, pressure within the eye increases and damages the optic nerve which leads from the eye to the brain. Open angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma and can led to loss of vision because there is no pain or visual symptoms until vision is lost. Since there are no warning signs of open angle glaucoma, individuals at risk need to be examined by an ophthalmologist.

“Glaucoma can occur in any age group, but the risk of development increases with age. Among those at higher risk for the developing the disease are individuals: with a high eye pressure, those who are extremely nearsighted, and those who have a family history of the disease or high blood pressure,” said Dr. Diane J. Kraus, president, NYSOS. “African Americans and those of Asian descent are also at higher risk for developing specific types of glaucoma, as well as individuals with general health problems such as diabetes, hardening of the arteries or anemia.”

Early diagnosis can be made by an in the course of a periodic eye examination. During a painless examination, the eye physician will determine the pressure of the eye, and using a special instrument, will examine the back of the eye to see if the optic nerve is healthy and that no damage is occurring.

Glaucoma is usually controlled with eye drops or by pills given in various combinations which act to regulate eye pressure and fluid drainage. To be effective, these medications must be taken regularly and continuously. In some cases, laser therapy or surgery may be necessary.

Patients with any type of glaucoma need periodic ophthalmologic exams. Glaucoma can get worse without the patient being aware of it and, as a result, treatment may need to be adjusted periodically. As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. To learn more about glaucoma, its symptoms and treatment please visit www.eyecareamerica.org.

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