ASK THE DOCTOR               

James Braun, M.D., board certified in ophthalmology St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition of increased fluid pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. This pressure damages the optic nerve causing partial vision loss and eventually blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. There are four types of glaucoma, but open angle or chronic glaucoma is the most common.

What are symptoms of chronic glaucoma?

• frequent changes of eyeglasses, none of which is satisfactory
• inability to adjust eyes to darkened rooms
• gradual loss of peripheral vision
• blurred or foggy vision
• mild, chronic headaches
• seeing rainbow-colored halos around light.

Note: Often there are no symptoms.

How do you prevent glaucoma?

In most cases, there is no prevention for its development. If detected early, further vision loss and blindness may be prevented with treatment. Anyone over 35 years of age should have a tonometry (a check of intraocular pressure) and ophthalmoscopic exams every two years.

How is glaucoma treated?

The objective of treatment is to reduce the intraocular pressure. Depending on the type of glaucoma, this is achieved by medication or by surgery.