How to Recognize the signs of Glaucoma

Despite what many people believe, the condition is not limited to the elderly. Glaucoma can also appear in children and in young adults. So protect yourself and go get that puff of air in your eye.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye which causes damage to the optic nerve and is, in fact, the leading cause of blindness. Understanding the basics of glaucoma is the first step to protecting your vision. Glaucoma occurs when the natural fluids of the eye are impeded from draining properly, causing intraocular pressure or IOP to build. Over time the elevated pressure may damage the optic nerve leading to the development of glaucoma. Three treatments are currently available for the disease including medications, laser, procedures and in some cases incisional surgery.
2. Surgery may save remaining vision, but unfortunately it does not improve sight. The key to preserving vision in a glaucoma patient is early detection. With early detection, the disease can be more easily managed without an evasive procedure. More that three million Americans have the condition but only about half of those know they have it, as it often doesn't present symptoms as warning signs until it's reached the advanced stages.
3. Common symptoms are:
   Cloudy or haloed vision
   nausea or headaches
   light sensitivity
   excessive tearing or blinking
   crossed or out-turned eyes
   decreased vision
   Regular eye exams performed once every two years, or more often for those at risk, can help detect glaucoma while it's still in the early stages. Your regular eye doctor can help you and answer any of your questions.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't wait, it doesn't hurt and it is a good thing to know