What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the term used to describe a group of eye diseases which damage the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. If left untreated glaucoma can result in blindness. 

In the more common forms of glaucoma there is increased pressure in the eye which presses on the optic nerve and causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision.

Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

Visual Acuity Test	:	This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
Visual Field Test	:	This test measures your side (peripheral) vision. It helps your eye care professional tell if you have lost side vision, a sign of glaucoma.
Dilated Eye Exam	:	Pupil dilation provides eye care professional with a better view of the optic nerve to check for signs of damage. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
Tonometry	:	The procedure to determine the IOP (intraocular pressure) of the eye.
Pachymetry	:	A numbing drop is applied to your eye. Your eye care professional uses an ultrasonic wave instrument to measure the thickness of your cornea.
Gonioscopy	:	To inspect the drainage angle of your eye.
OCT	:	It gives live cross sections magnified slices of various structures of the eye.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, laser surgery, and surgery in the operating room are used to help prevent further damage. In some cases, oral medications also may be prescribed.

With any type of glaucoma, periodic examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma can progress without your knowledge, adjustments to your treatment may be necessary from time to time.