What are the most common risk factors for glaucoma? RACE: African Americans are at least 4 times more likely to develop glaucoma than caucasians. DIABETES: Diabetics are more likely than non-diabetics to develop glaucoma. MYOPIA: Nearsighted people are more likely to develop glaucoma. AGE: People older than 65 are more likely than those under 65 to develop glaucoma. FAMILY HISTORY:
To understand glaucoma, we must think of the eye as a sink. The eye has a faucet and a drain. This faucet produces a clear, water-like fluid called aqueous humor. Aqueous humor is necessary to keep the eye formed and nourished. The aqueous fluid is similar in appearance and consistency to cerebrospinal (spinal) fluid. In healthy eyes, the drain removes
What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a treatable disease. However, it has no cure. Glaucoma is defined as “damage” to optic nerve cells. In a majority of cases, this optic nerve damage is caused by elevated intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye.) It is important to note, that nearly 20% of individuals with glaucoma do not demonstrate elevated pressures. These patients
Known as the “silent thief of sight”, glaucoma is a group of disorders that damage the optic nerve and lead to gradual but irreversible vision loss. When it comes to your vision, take it seriously! We do! Andrew Rabinowitz, MD, fellowship trained glaucoma specialist at Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center, discusses the facts on Glaucoma in an article published today
by Dr. Andrew Rabinowitz Lasers have become a critical tool in treating and preventing many types of glaucoma. Lasers were first used in treating glaucoma less than 35 years ago. Prior to their introduction, glaucoma could only be treated medicines or surgery. Lasers now serve as an intermediate treatment between medicine and surgery. Patients are often intimidated by the thought
Glaucoma is a treatable disease. Glaucoma, however, has no cure. Glaucoma is defined by optic nerve damage. In a majority of cases, glaucomatous optic nerve damage is caused by elevated intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye.) It is important to note, however, that nearly 25% of individuals with glaucoma do not demonstrate elevated pressures over the course of their lifetime.
The following chapter is a guide to glaucoma surgery. I have created this guide to help prepare patients for glaucoma surgery. It is intended to help patients understand the “why” and “how” of glaucoma surgery. OVERVIEW: Surgical procedures for glaucoma have been evolving over the past 100 years. Over the past 25 years, we have made large strides in improving
A multi-faceted approach to accurate diagnosis. In recent years, the tests and instruments available to ophthalmologists in examining for glaucoma have been rapidly expanding. Today, a thorough examination of a patient can involve more than a half-dozen different tests, ranging from traditional visual fields, fundus photography and slit-lamp biomicroscopy to the latest SD-OCT imaging — all of which are capable
About 20% of all patients when given oral or intravenous steroids in a dose equivalent to 20mg/day for a period in excess of 10-14 days can develop elevated intraocular pressure (IOP.) Thus, 20% of society may be at risk for a steroid induced glaucoma. It appears as though patients with a history of elevated intraocular pressure themselves, or patients with
There are several types of glaucoma. 1. “Wide” or “ Open” Angle Glaucoma 2. “Narrow” or “Closed” Angle Glaucoma 3. “Combined” or “Mixed” Mechanism Glaucoma Patients should know which type or types of glaucoma they have or are at risk for. WIDE OR OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA This represents roughly 70% of the glaucomas. In this glaucoma, the eye’s drainage channels