Glaucoma affects over 2.2 million people, but only half of them are aware that they have the disease. If left untreated, glaucoma will lead to blindness, making it the 2nd leading cause of blindness in the world.

Glaucoma comes in many forms, but most are marked with high eye pressures and subsequent damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. Because there is no pain, irritation, redness, or other noticeable symptom, it is important that all adults obtain comprehensive eye exams on an annual basis. Most people do not notice any vision changes until a substantial portion of their vision has been lost. Any vision loss cannot be regained.

Adults over age 40 should be tested every two years, while those over 60 should be tested annually.

Glaucoma affects people of all ages with older adults being at the highest risk. Those individuals who are at-risk for certain types of glaucoma include older individuals, African Americans, Asians, and Latinos. Those patients with a positive family history of glaucoma are at higher risk. Diseases that affect your body also increase their risk of glaucoma including the presence of diabetes, poor perfusion or the presence of vasospasms. During the annual eye exam, optometrists can identify additional ocular risk factors such as high or asymmetric intraocular pressures, optic nerve enlargement, optic nerve asymmetry, high myopia, thin central corneal thickness, and visual field defects that could be indicative of glaucoma.

Optometrists will perform necessary tests to diagnose and monitor glaucoma. He may prescribe eye drops or recommend surgical intervention to stabilize the eye pressures and reduce further ocular damage.

Shilpa Register, OD is an Associate Professor in the UAB School of Optometry and sees patients at UAB Eye Care.