How quickly does glaucoma progress. What are the main types of glaucoma. What factors contribute to glaucoma development. How can you protect your eyesight from glaucoma. What treatments are available for glaucoma.

Understanding Glaucoma: A Silent Threat to Vision

Glaucoma affects approximately 3 million Americans and stands as the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. This eye disease, characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often progresses without early warning signs. As a result, about 50% of patients remain unaware of their condition’s advancement.

The optic nerve plays a crucial role in transmitting visual information to the brain. When damaged, it fails to relay this vital data, potentially leading to vision loss. Glaucoma typically develops due to the accumulation of eye fluid, known as aqueous humor, which should normally drain through the trabecular meshwork in the eye’s drainage angle. When this drainage system malfunctions, eye pressure increases, risking severe ocular damage.

Types of Glaucoma: Unveiling the Various Forms

While open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma are the most prevalent types, at least ten forms of glaucoma exist. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma
• Normal-tension glaucoma
• Congenital glaucoma
• Secondary glaucoma
• Pigmentary glaucoma
• Exfoliative glaucoma
• Neovascular glaucoma
• Uveitic glaucoma
• Traumatic glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma: The Most Common Form

Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most frequent type, with age playing a significant role in its progression. Over time, the eye’s drainage system becomes obstructed, leading to inadequate fluid outflow and a gradual increase in intraocular pressure (IOP).

Symptoms of open-angle glaucoma include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Severely impaired vision
• Blind spots in the center or peripheral vision

Closed-Angle Glaucoma: A Rarer but Rapid Onset

Closed-angle glaucoma, though less common than open-angle glaucoma, typically develops more rapidly. In this form, the eye’s drainage area becomes suddenly and completely blocked. If left untreated, it can lead to a higher risk of blindness due to ocular hypertension.

Symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma include:

• Visual impairment and rainbow halo effects around lights
• Extreme eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting as side effects

Risk Factors: What Contributes to Glaucoma Development?

Several factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing glaucoma:

1. Age: The prevalence of glaucoma increases with advancing years
2. Ethnicity: People of African, Caribbean, and Asian heritage face a higher risk
3. Heredity: Glaucoma can run in families due to strong genetic components
4. Other medical conditions: Myopia, hyperopia, and diabetes also elevate glaucoma risk

The Progression of Glaucoma: A Gradual Decline

Does glaucoma progress rapidly? Contrary to common belief, glaucoma’s effects are typically gradual. Without treatment, the journey from initial damage to total blindness usually spans between 10 and 15 years.

The rate of progression can vary based on intraocular pressure (IOP). Here’s an approximate timeline:

• IOP 21-25 mmHg: Approximately 15 years
• IOP 25-30 mmHg: Around 7 years
• IOP 30 mmHg or higher: About 3 years

Safeguarding Your Vision: Preventive Measures Against Glaucoma

Can you take steps to protect your eyesight from glaucoma? Absolutely. Here are several measures to reduce your risk of vision loss:

1. Regular eye exams: If you fall into a high-risk group, comprehensive eye examinations can help detect glaucoma early, allowing for timely treatment initiation. A fully dilated eye test before age 40 can reveal glaucoma and other eye problems in their earliest stages.
2. Medications to reduce eye pressure: Prescription eye drops can help halt glaucoma progression. Your eye care specialist will advise on the frequency of regular check-ups.
3. Family history awareness: Since hereditary glaucoma can be silent, discuss visual health with your family members and consult a trusted eye doctor.
4. Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood pressure, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to preventing visual loss from glaucoma.

An interesting fact: World Glaucoma Day is observed annually on March 12th, raising awareness about this sight-threatening condition.

Treatment Options: Managing Glaucoma Effectively

Is glaucoma treatable? While there’s no cure, proper treatment can prevent or limit visual loss. The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to manage the condition by reducing intraocular pressure.

Treatment options may include:

• Prescription eye drops
• Oral medications
• Laser therapy
• Surgery (in advanced cases)

The choice of treatment depends on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as individual patient factors. Regular follow-ups with an eye care professional are crucial for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as necessary.

The Importance of Early Detection and Regular Monitoring

Why is early detection of glaucoma crucial? Because the vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible, identifying the condition in its early stages is vital. Regular eye exams can detect glaucoma before noticeable symptoms appear, allowing for prompt intervention and better preservation of vision.

For those diagnosed with glaucoma, consistent monitoring is essential. This involves:

• Regular eye pressure checks
• Visual field tests to assess peripheral vision
• Optic nerve examinations
• Adjustment of treatment plans as needed

Living with Glaucoma: Adapting to Visual Changes

How can individuals with glaucoma maintain their quality of life? While glaucoma can present challenges, many people with the condition lead full and active lives. Here are some strategies for adapting to visual changes:

1. Use proper lighting: Adequate illumination can significantly improve visibility
2. Employ visual aids: Magnifying devices and large-print materials can be helpful
3. Organize living spaces: Keep frequently used items in easily accessible locations
4. Learn about assistive technologies: Various devices and apps can aid in daily tasks
5. Seek support: Join support groups or connect with others living with glaucoma

Remember, each person’s experience with glaucoma is unique. Working closely with eye care professionals and adapting strategies to individual needs can help maintain independence and quality of life.

Research and Future Prospects in Glaucoma Management

What advancements are being made in glaucoma research? The field of glaucoma management is continually evolving, with researchers exploring new treatments and diagnostic methods. Some promising areas of research include:

• Neuroprotection: Developing therapies to protect and potentially regenerate damaged optic nerve cells
• Gene therapy: Exploring genetic approaches to treat or prevent glaucoma
• Improved drug delivery systems: Investigating methods for more effective and consistent medication administration
• Advanced imaging techniques: Developing more sensitive tools for early detection and monitoring of glaucoma
• Artificial intelligence: Utilizing AI to enhance diagnosis and predict disease progression

These ongoing research efforts offer hope for improved glaucoma management and potentially better outcomes for patients in the future.

How Quickly Does Glaucoma Progress?

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About 3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma. This disease is the second most common cause of blindness globally. There are frequently no early signs, which is why 50 percent of patients are unaware of glaucoma progression.

In this article, we’ll discuss glaucoma symptoms, how it affects vision, and how you can prevent further loss of sight with the help of a professional ophthalmologist. 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. It develops by the accumulation of eye fluid, known as “aqueous humor,” which travels down a drain known as “trabecular meshwork.” The trabecular meshwork locates in the “drainage angle,” and if the eye fluid does not drain properly, the eye pressure rises, resulting in severe eye damage.

The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. If the optic nerve is damaged, it cannot send visual information to the brain. Here is a better example of glaucoma and its consequences on a healthy eye: What is glaucoma?

Types of Glaucoma: What are the Most Common?

Open-Angle and Angle-Closure are the two most common kinds of glaucoma. However, there are at least ten forms of glaucoma. The types of glaucoma are as follows:

1. Open-angle glaucoma
2. Narrow-angle glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma
3. Normal-tension glaucoma
4. Congenital glaucoma.
5. Secondary glaucoma.
6. Pigmentary glaucoma
7. Exfoliative glaucoma
8. Neovascular glaucoma
9. Uveitic glaucoma
10. Traumatic glaucoma

Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma, with age as a factor in its progression. Over the years, the person’s eye drainage system becomes obstructed, causing inadequate fluid outflow from the eye and eventually causing a progressive increase in IOP.

Symptoms

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Severely impaired vision
• Blind spots in the center or peripheral vision

Closed-Angle Glaucoma 

Rarer than open-angle glaucoma is closed-angle glaucoma. Typically, it grows swiftly. Suddenly, the eye’s drainage region becomes entirely blocked. If left untreated, ocular hypertension can lead to a higher risk of blindness.

Symptoms

• Visual impairment and rainbow halo effects around lights
• Extreme eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting as side effects

What Can Cause Glaucoma?

There are many potential contributors to the development of glaucoma.

• Age: glaucoma is increasingly prevalent as you age
• Ethnicity: African, Caribbean, and Asian heritage people are at a greater risk for glaucoma development
• Hereditary Glaucoma: Glaucoma can run in families since it may have strong genetic components
• Other medical conditions: myopia, hyperopia, and diabetes, also raise glaucoma risk

How Fast Does Glaucoma Advance?

Glaucoma’s effects are gradual. Untreated glaucoma normally takes between 10 and 15 years from the commencement of initial damage to total blindness.

The table below gives more information on the approximate progression period of glaucoma based on intraocular pressure (IOP):

Do What You Can to Protect Your Eyesight

There are numerous measures you may take to protect your eyes from glaucoma and reduce your risk of vision loss.

• Routine eye exams: if you belong to one of the high-risk groups described above, a thorough eye exam can help you detect glaucoma early and begin treatment. Also, a fully dilated eye test before age 40 can help detect glaucoma and other eye problems in their earliest stages.
• Medications to Reduce Eye Pressure: Prescription eye drops can help to stop glaucoma progression. Your eye care specialist will advise you on the frequency of regular eye exams.
• Check your family history: hereditary glaucoma can be silent, so you should speak with your family members about their visual health and attend to your trusted eye doctor.
• Live a healthy lifestyle: By maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active, and avoiding smoking, you can prevent visual loss from glaucoma.

An interesting fact: World Glaucoma Day is celebrated on March 12th.

Get Glaucoma Treatment at Eye Care Professionals

Glaucoma treatment can prevent or restrict visual loss. The purpose of treatment is to manage glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure.

Regarding glaucoma treatment in Reno, Nevada, no one does it better than Eye Care Professionals. As an established eye care provider for almost 60 years, we can offer various options for helping glaucoma patients keep their eyesight in optimal condition.

We are pleased to have developed high-tech procedures to assist individuals in Reno. The following are examples of accessible techniques:

• Medical management
• Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP)
• Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
• Transciliary Filtration (TCF)
• Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

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How Long Does it Take to Go Blind from Glaucoma?

Yvonne Ou, MD

University of California, San Francisco, UCSF Medical Center

• Expert Advice

Published on:

July 7, 2021

How quickly blindness can occur when someone has glaucoma is determined by many factors, including ones that you can control. Learn three important steps that can reduce your risk of going blind from this eye disease.

Glaucoma: A Disease of the Optic Nerve

Glaucoma is considered a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is comprised of the axons (nerve fibers) of the retinal ganglion cells that line the retina. Indeed, retinal ganglion cells are the final output nerve cell that connects the eye to the brain, so they play a very important role in your vision.

On average, we have 1 million retinal ganglion cells in each eye. Glaucoma damages the retinal ganglion cells and eventually causes them to die. Also, glaucoma typically damages the retinal ganglion cells in a pattern in which the peripheral (side) vision is affected first. These changes to vision typically go unnoticed because one eye can compensate for the other. This is fortunate because it means that it is only at advanced stages of the disease that the central part of the vision is impaired. In other words, for early and moderate stages, and sometimes even advanced stages of glaucoma, the central vision can remain at 20/20. However, in advanced stages, the peripheral vision will be severely affected, and activities that require peripheral vision, such as driving, would not be advised for both the safety of the driver and the safety of other motorists or pedestrians.

In the most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, damage to the retinal ganglion cells occurs quite slowly. It may be possible, for example, that a person who is diagnosed early in the disease, before any field of vision changes are measurable, will never experience a reduction in his or her vision-related quality of life due to glaucoma. However, the later one is diagnosed with this eye disease, such as at moderate or advanced stages, the higher the likelihood of living with decreased vision and vision-related quality of life.

In addition, certain forms of glaucoma, such as primary angle-closure glaucoma, can have stages of the disease when damage is occurring more quickly. It is beyond the scope of this article to discuss every form of glaucoma and its potential relationship with the rate of vision loss, but one other “type” of glaucoma is important to mention: normal-tension glaucoma (or normal-pressure glaucoma). This form of glaucoma sometimes results in field of vision loss close to the central vision earlier in the course of the disease. This pattern of field of vision loss is certainly more concerning because vision-related quality of life due to glaucoma will be affected sooner.

Reducing the Risk of Blindness

So, how can you reduce your risk of going blind?

The reason an early eye exam is important is because the earlier stage at which you are diagnosed, the better your chances of not going blind from glaucoma. If you are visiting this webpage because you have already been diagnosed with glaucoma, then let your family members know and encourage them to have a comprehensive eye exam.

1. The first step is to get a comprehensive eye exam, starting at age 60 as recommended by the National Eye Institute, or age 40 if you are African American because of the higher risk of glaucoma. You should consider an earlier exam if you have risk factors for glaucoma, which include the following:
    
   • African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry
   • older age
   • family history
   • myopia (nearsightedness)
   • diabetes
   • history of eye trauma or steroid use
      
2. The second step is to make sure you follow up with your ophthalmologist and continue your regular visits. If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, you will be forming a lifelong relationship with your ophthalmologist. During these visits, in addition to an eye exam, you may undergo field of vision testing and/or an imaging test of your optic nerve (OCT, short for Optical Coherence Tomography). The field of vision test provides critical information to your ophthalmologist about the stage of your glaucoma, and how quickly or slowly it is progressing.

   Treatment aims to slow progression and to prevent glaucoma from affecting your quality of life. Therefore, it is important for your ophthalmologist to continually monitor and assess your glaucoma. One of the primary ways to do this is to perform the field of vision test, sometimes frequently, if there is a question about the field of vision worsening.

   Once you have taken at least five fairly reliable tests, one of the most commonly used visual field machines will run a glaucoma progression analysis. It will graph out the visual field index (a measure of the completeness of the visual field) and predict what the visual field index will be in five years. While it is not perfect, and there is no crystal ball in glaucoma, this analysis can give your ophthalmologist and you a sense of whether you are someone whose glaucoma is rapidly progressing, more slowly progressing, or stable.
    

3. The third step for reducing your risk of going blind is to optimize your treatment plan. From making sure that you are taking the correct eye drops and using the eye drops properly (see tips for using eye drops below) to undergoing treatments such as laser therapy or surgery as recommended by your ophthalmologist, you are in a partnership with your ophthalmologist to ensure you are optimally treated.

   Education is a big part of optimizing your treatment plan, and we encourage you to explore the articles on this website for other glaucoma treatment-related topics. This not only includes educating yourself on the newest medications and surgeries, but also understanding that the biggest burden of your treatment plan is most likely on you since keeping up with the medication regimen can be very challenging. However, there are methods that can help you, such as tying the use of your eye drops with brushing your teeth or other activities that you do every day. Setting phone alarms to remind you to take your eye drops can also be very helpful. Beyond medications, laser, and surgical treatment, you may also want to discuss with your ophthalmologist any lifestyle modifications that might help optimize your treatment.

In summary, while it is, of course, natural to wonder how glaucoma will affect your vision, it is very difficult to predict the future. Having an open discussion with your ophthalmologist about your concerns and fears should help you better understand your treatment plan and prognosis.
 

About the author

University of California, San Francisco, UCSF Medical Center

Yvonne Ou, MD

Yvonne Ou, MD, is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma, including medical, laser and surgical therapies; cataract evaluation and treatment including combined cataract and glaucoma surgery; glaucoma filtering and implant surgery; and newer procedures.

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Glaucoma | Vision Recovery Center, Sakhalin

What is glaucoma?

Today, glaucoma is commonly referred to as a chronic eye disease characterized by a constant or periodic increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) with the development of trophic disorders in the outflow tracts of intraocular fluid (IOL, aqueous humor), in the retina and in the optic nerve, causing the appearance of typical defects in the visual field and development of marginal excavation (deepening, punching) of the optic nerve head.

Can glaucoma be cured?

No, this is a chronic disease, very often leading to the progression of the process.

Is glaucoma dangerous?

Very, because it can lead to blindness if treated incorrectly or untimely.

Is it possible to go blind with glaucoma?

Unfortunately, you can.

Why does blindness occur in glaucoma?

Under the influence of high intraocular pressure (IOP) and malnutrition, a gradual death of the optic nerve fibers occurs. When most of the fibers die, the eye stops seeing.

Why didn’t I feel anything and my eye stopped seeing?

This is the insidious glaucoma, the pressure is high, but you may not feel anything. Therefore, it is extremely important for everyone who is over 40 years old to undergo regular examination by an ophthalmologist with measurement of intraocular pressure.

When is glaucoma surgery necessary?

When pressure cannot be reduced by other means: medication (drip) or laser treatment.

Why was I diagnosed with glaucoma, but intraocular pressure is normal?

There is a special kind of glaucoma called low-pressure glaucoma. Then the diagnosis is made according to other changes characteristic of glaucoma:

• narrowing of the field of vision characteristic of glaucoma;
• atrophy of the optic nerve, as seen when examining the fundus;
• subtle changes in the color and light sensitivity of the eyes.

Is it possible to watch TV and read a lot with glaucoma?

With glaucoma, there are no restrictions in visual load.

What are the limitations for glaucoma?

It is necessary to limit the drinking ration to 2 liters per day (including fruits and soups), do not lift weights and work upside down. It is also not recommended to sleep face down.

Can glaucoma be inherited?

Very often, the predisposition to glaucoma is inherited.

Why did my IOP rise?

There are many reasons for this: anatomical features of the structure of the eye, a disorder in the activity of the cardiovascular system, an increase in the production of intraocular fluid.

Does high IOP (or increased IOP) depend on high blood pressure?

Fluctuations in IOP can occur in sync with changes in blood pressure, but this does not mean that an increase in blood pressure leads to glaucoma.

What intraocular pressure is considered normal?

For each age and condition of the visual system, the concept of the norm is different, however, in general, the norm of eye pressure is 18-22 mm Hg.

What are the signs of increased eye pressure? Methods for its prevention.

As a rule, an increase in intraocular pressure does not manifest itself in any way and only very high intraocular pressure gives blurred vision, iridescent circles around light sources, discomfort, and pain in the eye. Therefore, only the measurement of intraocular pressure can reveal its rise. After 40 years, it is recommended to measure intraocular pressure once a year (in the absence of signs of suspicion of a disease). There are no methods of prevention that prevent an increase in intraocular pressure – it depends on the condition of the eye tissues. The main thing is to detect the onset of the development of the disease in time.

Is it possible to at least partially restore vision in glaucoma?

The main goal of glaucoma treatment is to stop its progression and thus stop further vision loss. Unfortunately, it is impossible to return what has already been lost due to optic nerve atrophy.

Why does glaucoma develop?

In glaucoma, the circulation of intraocular fluid is disturbed. Fluid builds up and intraocular pressure begins to rise. The optic nerve and other structures of the eye experience an increased load, the blood supply to the eye is disturbed. As a result, the optic nerve atrophies, and visual signals cease to flow to the brain. A person begins to see worse, peripheral vision is impaired, as a result of which the visibility zone is limited; and eventually blindness may occur. Glaucoma is an irreversible disease. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment on time.

Is it possible to determine what glaucoma is?

Most often, with glaucoma, a person feels blurred vision, pain, pain, a feeling of heaviness in the eyes, narrowing of the field of vision. Vision deteriorates significantly at night. When you look at a bright light, “rainbow circles” appear before your eyes, but it is impossible to independently diagnose such a serious disease in yourself. To detect the onset of the disease, a simple measurement of intraocular pressure is not enough. It is necessary to study in detail the fundus and the optic nerve head, as well as to conduct a study of the visual field, that is, a thorough diagnostic examination is necessary.

How often should I see a doctor for glaucoma?

Patients with glaucoma need annual follow-up with a specialist. Also, periodic examinations by an ophthalmologist (at least once a year) are also necessary for the prevention of glaucoma, especially for people over 40 years old. After all, without treatment, the disease progresses quite quickly and within 5-7 years can lead to complete blindness. For those whose relatives suffer from glaucoma, it is necessary to start observation from an earlier age.

What medicines help with glaucoma?

After the age of 40 (when glaucoma usually occurs), people often have more than one disease. This means that when choosing a drug, you need to take into account all the features and compatibility with other drugs. Many antiglaucoma drugs have a number of side effects. For example, such drugs are contraindicated in people with vascular diseases, bronchial asthma and a number of other diseases. Therefore, they may not be suitable for all patients. Only a specialist can determine whether it is possible for you to use antiglaucoma drugs. Do not self-medicate!

Ophthalmologist Gazizova told how quickly blindness occurs without treatment in glaucoma – Gazeta.Ru

Ophthalmologist Gazizova told how quickly glaucoma causes blindness without treatment – Gazeta.Ru | News

March 27, 2023, 11:29

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If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to loss of sight within a few years. Treatment will slow down the development of the disease so much that vision can be preserved until the end of life. Ilmira Gazizova, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Institute of Human Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a member of the Committee for Cooperation with European Countries of the European Glaucoma Society, told Gazeta.