Keeping an Eye on Glaucoma
By Lawrence Ronning, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye's optic nerve. The optic nerve is a bundle of more than one million nerves that transmit images from the retina to the brain. A healthy connection between the retina, which is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, and the brain is necessary for good, normal vision.

Glaucoma is typically associated with increased pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure. However, glaucoma is a multifactorial disease, and even people with normal eye pressure can develop it. There are various biological and genetic characteristics that can make one more susceptible to glaucoma, such as increased age, African or Spanish American ancestry, high refractive errors (far or near), eye injuries, or family history of the disease. People with a thin cornea, diabetes, migraines, or poor circulation may also be more susceptible.

There are two major types of glaucoma, along with several variants of the disease. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form and shows no early warning signs or symptoms. Vision is lost gradually and progressively over time, resulting in tunnel vision in the most advanced stages. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a much more rare form of the disease in which pressure within the eye rises dramatically. Symptoms include blurred vision and haloes, red eye, headaches, nausea, and severe eye pain.
   
Because glaucoma shows no early symptoms, the best way to prevent this disease or its progression are routine eye checkups. It can be detected through a complete medical eye exam that includes comprehensive tests such as tonometry to measure intraocular pressure, gonioscopy to inspect the eye’s drainage angle, ophthalmoscopy to check the optic nerve, and visual field testing to examine peripheral vision.
   
There is no cure for glaucoma at this time, but with ongoing treatment, nerve damage can be limited and good vision maintained. That is why early diagnosis and treatment are so important. All current treatments are directed toward lowering the intraocular pressure within the eye; however, none restore the vision previously lost. The most common types of treatments include eye drops, laser, and surgery. 

One laser treatment called trabeculoplasty involves a laser beam to open clogged drainage canals within the eye to reduce pressure. Surgery, usually in the form of trabeculectomy, is often used when eye drops and laser surgery are not effective. Small drainage openings are created to allow fluid to leave the eye. Although no surgery will cure this disease or restore vision, it can drastically slow and help to prevent any further loss.

Dr. Lawrence Ronning is a board-certified ophthalmologist at North Canton Medical Foundation. He takes special interest in cataract and implant surgery, glaucoma, LASIK and refractive surgery, and eye plastic surgery. To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call 330-433-1350.