Glaucoma

Overview

Lost vision can't come back.

Black adults and people over 60 have higher risk.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Usually no symptoms
• Losing side (peripheral) vision

Less common

• Losing side vision

When to get medical care

Causes

Eye pressure, aging, genes.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Over 60
• Black adults
• Family history

Diagnosis

A dilated eye exam finds it.

Questions you may be asked

• Family history

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Eye pressure:
• Visual field:

Treatment

Use drops every day.

Self-care

• Get regular eye exams
• Take drops as directed

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

• Regular eye exams

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Ask about low-vision services, like magnifiers and brighter lighting.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• American Foundation for the Blind: Help for people with vision loss and their families.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment saves vision.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Glaucoma