WHAT IS GLAUCOMA? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital to good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye. The most common form of glaucoma has no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition is at an advanced stage. Vision loss due to glaucoma can't be recovered. So it's important to have regular eye exams that include measurements of your eye pressure. If glaucoma is recognized early, vision loss can be slowed or prevented. If you have the condition, you'll generally need treatment for the rest of your life. The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. For example: Open-angle glaucoma Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyesTunnel vision in the advanced stages Acute angle-closure glaucoma Severe headacheEye painNausea and vomitingBlurred visionHalos around lightsEye redness If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years. RISK FACTORS : Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure)Being over age 60Being black or HispanicHaving a family history of the conditionHaving certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and sickle cell anemiaHaving certain eye conditions, such as nearsightednessHaving had an eye injury or certain types of eye surgeryEarly estrogen deficiency, such as can occur after removal of both ovaries (bilateral oophorectomy) before age 43 taking corticosteroid medications, especially eyedrops, for a long time. Your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a comprehensive eye examination. He or she may perform several tests, including: Measuring intraocular pressure (tonometry)Testing for optic nerve damageChecking for areas of vision loss (visual field test)Measuring corneal thickness (pachymetry)Inspecting the drainage angle (gonioscopy) TREATMENTS AND DRUGS : The damage caused by glaucoma can't be reversed. But treatment and regular checkups can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially in you catch the disease in its early stage. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower pressure in your eye (intraocular pressure). Depending on your situation, your options may include eyedrops, laser treatment or surgery. SURGERY AND OTHER THERAPIES : Other treatment options include laser therapy and various surgical procedures. Possible complications include pain, redness, infection, inflammation, bleeding, abnormally high or low eye pressure, and loss of vision. Some types of eye surgery may speed the development of cataracts. You'll need to see your doctor for follow-up exams. And you may eventually need to undergo additional procedures if your eye pressure begins to rise or other changes occur in your eye. The following techniques are intended to improve the drainage of fluid within the eye, lowering pressure: LASER THERAPY Laser trabeculoplasty (truh-BEK-u-low-plas-tee) is an option for people with open-angle glaucoma. It's done in your doctor's office. He or she uses a laser beam to open clogged channels in the trabecular meshwork. It may take a few weeks before the full effect of this procedure becomes apparent.Filtering surgery. With a surgical procedure called a trabeculectomy (truh-bek-u-LEK-tuh-me), your surgeon creates an opening in the white of the eye (sclera) and removes part of the trabecular meshwork.Drainage tubes. In this procedure, your eye surgeon inserts a small tube in your eye.Electrocautery. Your doctor may suggest a minimally invasive procedure to remove tissue from the trabecular meshwork using a small electrocautery device called a Trabecutome. TREATING ACUTE ANGLE-CLOSURE GLAUCOMA Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you're diagnosed with this condition, you'll need urgent treatment to reduce the pressure in your eye. This generally will require both medication and laser or other surgical procedures. You may have a procedure called a laser peripheral iridotomy in which the doctor creates a small hole in your iris using a laser. This allows fluid (aqueous humor) to flow through it, relieving eye pressure. EMERGING THERAPIES Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of new drugs, drug delivery methods, surgical procedures and devices (iStent, others). PREVENTION: You may not be able to prevent glaucoma. But these self-care steps can help you detect it early, limit vision loss or slow its progress. Get regular eye care. Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma in its early stages before irreversible damage occurs. As a general rule, have comprehensive eye exams every four years beginning at age 40 and every two years from age 65. You may need more frequent screening if you're at high risk of glaucoma. Ask your doctor to recommend the right screening schedule for you.Know your family's eye health history.Glaucoma tends to run in families. If you're at increased risk, you may need more frequent screening.Exercise safely. Regular, moderate exercise may help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Talk with your doctor about an appropriate exercise program.Take prescribed eyedrops regularly.Glaucoma eyedrops can significantly reduce the risk that high eye pressure will progress to glaucoma. To be effective, eyedrops prescribed by your doctor need to be used regularly even if you have no symptoms.Wear eye protection. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when using power tools or playing high-speed racket sports on enclosed courts.