Edited Abstract from Encyclopedia.com

Description

Between two to three million people in the United States have glaucoma, and 120,000 of those are legally blind as a result. It is the leading cause of preventable blindness in the United States and the most frequent cause of blindness in African-Americans, who are at about a three-fold higher risk of glaucoma than the rest of the population. The risk of glaucoma increases dramatically with age, but it can strike any age group, even newborn infants and fetuses.

Causes

The cause of vision loss in all forms of glaucoma is optic nerve damage. There are many underlying causes and forms of glaucoma. Most causes of glaucoma are not known, but it is clear that a number of different processes are involved, and a malfunction in any one of them could cause glaucoma. It is probable that most glaucoma is inherited. At least ten defective genes that cause glaucoma have been identified.

Treatment

When glaucoma is diagnosed, drugs are typically given as eye drops. There are also several types of laser surgery used to treat glaucoma. Microsurgery (or “filtering surgery”) has been used in many different types of glaucoma. These surgeries are usually successful, but the effects often last less than a year.

Prognosis

About half of the people stricken by glaucoma are not aware of it. For them, the prognosis is not good, and many of them will become blind. Sight lost due to glaucoma cannot be restored. On the other hand, the prognosis for treated glaucoma is excellent.

Prevention

Because glaucoma may not initially result in symptoms, the best form of prevention is to have regular eye exams.

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Resources:

1. Amazon Book: There’s No Vision Like Low Vision by Tom Perski

2. Exclusive Video: Wearable low vision devices designed for people with macular degeneration and glaucoma.

AAO 2019: Tom Perski