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Glaucoma Fact Sheet
Download/Print pdf (102 Kb PDF) What is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a disease that causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve from increasing pressure within the eye. This occurs because the eye produces a clear fluid that does not drain adequately and raises the eye pressure. Glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in the U.S., affecting about 3 million Americans. Because this disease often progresses with no warning or symptoms, it is estimated that up to one-half of the nearly 3 million Americans with glaucoma do not know they have it. Glaucoma screening can lead to early detection and treatment, which can prevent, slow, or stop vision loss from the disease. The first sign of glaucoma is a loss of peripheral vision that is usually not noticed by the patient until it affects the central vision. Vision lost to glaucoma can’t be restored so treatment aims to reduce eye pressure to prevent further damage. Source: www.cms.hhs.gov/glaucomascreening/ Who is at risk for glaucoma? Glaucoma screenings are suggested every two to four years for anyone over age 40. A routine exam can help identify risk for glaucoma and early signs of the disease. Medicare covers glaucoma screening for the risk factors listed below:
What are the symptoms of glaucoma? There may be no early signs or symptoms to indicate glaucoma. Slight vision loss typically begins with peripheral or side vision but may be unconsciously fixed by turning your head to the side to correct your vision. You may not begin to notice any changes until significant vision is lost. How is glaucoma treated? Traditionally, ophthalmologists first prescribe eye drops to reduce the eye pressure in glaucoma patients and if that doesn’t work, physicians can perform a laser procedure called a trabeculoplasty to the existing internal drainage canal. If eye drops or the laser procedure are not effective in controlling pressure, the patient may need an operation called trabeculectomy. This involves creating a small hole in the sclera (white of an eye) and removes a small area of trabecular meshwork, tissue that is diseased in glaucoma leading to eye pressure build up. Another operation option is to place a silicone tube in an eye to drain fluid. How is glaucoma treated? Patients who have glaucoma now have access to a new treatment option at the University of Kentucky, the only medical facility in the state to offer the procedure. Performed with a device called a Trabectome, the minimally invasive procedure takes about 30 minutes. The Trabectome tool is inserted in the eye through a tiny 1.7 millimeter incision at the edge of the cornea. A small strip of trabecular meshwork is then removed. This gently unblocks the eye and lowers the pressure. The procedure requires very little sedation and patients generally recover within one week. Not all patients with glaucoma are suitable for Trabectome surgery. UK HealthCare Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences provides medical and surgical services for ocular diseases and eye disorders. We offer:
Subspecialties include:
TO FIND OUT MORE Visit ukhealthcare.uky.edu or call toll free 1-800-333-8874. American Glaucoma Society www.glaucomaweb.org Glaucoma Research Foundationwww.glaucoma.org Other Locations We also provide subspecialty care as well as routine eye exams at these locations: UK HealthCare Eye Care - Richmond Central Baptist Eye Clinic 0-1359 10/09 |
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To make an appointment or find a physician, please call UK HealthCare at 859-257-1000 or toll free 1-800-333-8874. Send us Comments and Corrections.
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