Glaucoma FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about glaucoma.
- How does glaucoma affect vision?
- What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
- What causes glaucoma?
- What are some current treatments for glaucoma?
- What is the latest research on glaucoma?
How does glaucoma affect vision?
Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the main pathway that carries signals from the eye to the brain. In glaucoma the optic nerve fibers gradually die, resulting in a slow loss of peripheral (side) vision and ultimately all vision.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
One of the diagnostic problems with glaucoma is that there are very few symptoms early in the course of the disease. Eyes with glaucoma gradually lose side vision. This side vision loss can result in tunnel vision - vision like one is looking through a tube. This can result in the individual tripping over objects or failing to notice objects approaching from the side.
Individuals with glaucoma may not notice early vision loss because the peripheral vision from the fellow eye can cover for the loss. Additionally, elderly people may attribute any vision loss to cataract. Because early glaucoma has so few symptoms it has been estimated that one-half of all individuals with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease. This is why a thorough eye examination, including examination of the optic nerve - and not just measurement of eye pressure - is critical.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is caused by the death of optic nerve fibers. The cause of this death is not fully understood and is an area of intense research. It is known that there are people in whom this damage is more likely to occur. There are four major risk factors for the development of primary open angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma. These risk factors are: advanced age, African-American heritage, a family history of glaucoma, and high pressure within the eye.
© 2003-2005
The University of Iowa Center for Macular Degeneration
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