There are no symptoms initially. Vision stays normal, and there is no pain.
However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually failing. Over time, the patient may lose the central vision. Thus glaucoma is often said to be the ‘theft of vision’.
How is glaucoma detected?
Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
- Visual acuity test.
- Visual field test. This test measures your side (peripheral) vision.
- fundal examination
- Tonometry
People with the risk factors for glaucoma should have a comprehensive eye examination every one to two years, especially for those over the age of 40.
Can glaucoma be treated?
Treatment can delay progression of the disease, but cannot restore lost vision. Early diagnosis is thus very important.
Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser, surgery. Medicines, in the form of eyedrops, are the most common early treatment for glaucoma. Some medicines cause the eye to make less fluid. Others lower pressure by helping fluid drain from the eye.
Because glaucoma often has no obvious symptoms, people may be tempted to stop taking, or may forget to take, their medicine. If you are being treated for glaucoma, be sure to take your glaucoma medicine every day. See your eye doctor regularly, and have a good compliance of medications to prevent disease progression.
The information provided aims to provide educational purpose, if you have the described conditions as above, please consult your ophthalmologist.
