GLAUCOMA SUSPECT  

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?  

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in this country.  Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is damaged.  It is often associated with increased pressure (IOP) in the eye and it can be hereditary.  It can lead to blindness which can not be reversed if it is not diagnosed and treated. 

WHO IS AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA? 

African Americans are at greater risk for glaucoma than are Caucasians. 

Strong risk factors include:

Elevated intraocular pressure (in the 20's or above).

Family history of glaucoma.

Decreased corneal thickness.  

Other risk factors are myopia (near sightedness), diabetes and age.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE GLAUCOMA? 

A person who is a glaucoma suspect does not have glaucoma but is at risk of eventually developing the disease. An eye examination by an ophthalmologist (Eye MD) which includes both a dilated exam and a visual field test can help diagnose early glaucomatous damage to the optic nerve.  Patients with risk factors require eye exams over the course of years.     About ten percent (10%) of people with increased IOP will develop glaucomatous damage to the optic nerve.  Those with more risk factors have a higher risk.

WHAT KIND OF TREATMENT DOES GLAUCOMA REQUIRE? 

  Sometimes, in high risk glaucoma suspect patients, treatment is indicated to reduce the intraocular pressure.  This can often be done with just eye drops used once or twice a day.  Laser treatment can also be used to reduce eye pressure.

REMEMBER 

Glaucoma has no symptoms.