Eyecare
Info...
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What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the name for a
group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged at the point
where it leaves the eye. The optic nerve carries information from the
light sensitive layer in your eye, the retina, to the brain where it is
perceived as a picture.
Your eye needs a certain amount
of pressure to keep the eyeball in shape so that it can work properly. In
some people, the damage is caused by raised pressure. Others may have an
eye pressure within normal limits but damage occurs because there is a
weakness in the optic nerve. In most cases both factors are involved but
to a varying extent.
Are there different
types of glaucoma?
Yes there are four main types:
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Chronic Glaucoma: This is the
most common type of glaucoma. The eye pressure rises very slowly and there
is no pain to show there is a problem, but the field of vision gradually
become impaired.
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Acute Glaucoma: This is less
common in western countries. This type of glaucoma occurs when there is a
sudden blockage to the flow of aqueous fluid to the eye. This can be quite
painful and will cause permanent damage to your sight if not treated
properly.
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Secondary Glaucoma: This type
of glaucoma occurs as a result of a rise in eye pressure caused by another
eye condition.
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Developmental Glaucoma: This is
a rare but sometimes serious condition which occurs in babies and is
caused by a malformation in the eye.
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How common is glaucoma?
In the UK some form of glaucoma
affects about 2 in 100 people over the age of 40.
Are some people
particularly at risk of chronic glaucoma?
Yes. There are several factors
which increase the risk:
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Age: Chronic glaucoma becomes
much more common with increasing age. It is uncommon below the age of 40
but affects one percent of people over this age and five percent over 65.
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Race: If you are of African
origin you are more at risk of chronic glaucoma.
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Family: If you have a close
relative who has chronic glaucoma then you should have regular eye
examinations. You should advise other members of your family to do the
same. This is especially true if you are over 40.
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Short sight: People with a high
degree of short sight are more prone to chronic glaucoma.
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Diabetes: It is believed that
diabetic have an increased risk of developing chronic glaucoma.
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Can glaucoma be
treated?
If detected early enough,
glaucoma can usually be treated. In most cases, eyedrops to reduce the
pressure will be prescribed, although in some cases a minor operation is
needed.
This
factsheet is designed to give you a very brief introduction
to the subject and has been produced by the Eyecare
Trust. |
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News & What's New
The site was last updated on 1st November 2003.
The latest issue of our newsletter and an overhaul of all areas of
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Newsletter
Issue 10 (autumn/winter 2003) contains details of the science behind
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some of the causes and treatments for dry eyes.
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