EYECARE OF KONA

FAMILY EYE CARE
DR. JOHN M. TSUE, O.D. INC.
Serving Kona Since 1979

(808) 329-5253

Panel Doctor
L A S E R   E Y E   C E N T E R
O F   H A W A I I
Kuakini Tower Building Suite 212
eyecare@eyecareofkona.com

What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the internal pressure of your eye rises to a point that the optic nerve is damaged. The pressure that builds up is due to a problem in the flow or drainage of fluid normally produced in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S.

What causes glaucoma?
The exact cause of glaucoma is not known. For some reason, the passages that normally allow fluid within your eye to drain out become clogged or blocked. This results in fluid building up within your eye and increasing pressure on the optic nerve. The nerve fibers and blood vessels in the optic nerve can easily be damaged by this pressure. An injury, infection or tumor in or around the eye can also cause the pressure to rise.

Who gets glaucoma?
Glaucoma most frequently occurs in individuals over the age of 40 and there is a hereditary tendency for the development of the disease in some families. It is estimated that over 2 million Americans have glaucoma and this is expected to rise as more of our population grows older. Primary open angle glaucoma is more common among blacks than whites, causes damage at an earlier age and leads to blindness at a much greater rate. There is also a greater tendency for glaucoma to develop in individuals who are nearsighted or who have diabetes. Regular optometric examination, including testing for glaucoma, is a particularly important preventive eye care practice for those over age 35.

Why is glaucoma harmful to vision?
The optic nerve, at the back of the eye, carries visual information to the brain. As the fibers that make up the optic nerve are damaged, the amount and quality of information sent to the brain decreases and a loss of vision occurs.

Will I go blind from glaucoma?
If diagnosed at an early stage, glaucoma can be controlled and little or no further vision loss should occur. If left untreated, side awareness (peripheral vision) and central vision will be destroyed and blindness may occur.

How can I tell if I have glaucoma?
The signs or symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type. Primary open angle glaucoma often develops gradually and painlessly. There are no early warning signs. It can gradually destroy your vision without you knowing it. The first indication may occur after some vision has already been lost. Acute angle closure glaucoma, which results from a sudden blockage of drainage channels in your eye, causes a rapid build up of pressure accompanied by blurred vision, the appearance of colored rings around lights and pain or redness in the eyes.

How is glaucoma detected?
A comprehensive optometric examination will include tests for glaucoma. A simple and painless procedure called tonometry measures the internal pressure of your eye. Your optometrist will also look into your eye to observe the health of the optic nerve and measure your field of vision.

How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma is usually effectively treated with prescription eye drops and medicines. In some cases, surgery may be required. The goal of the treatment is to prevent loss of vision by lowering the pressure in the eye.

Will my vision be restored after treatment?
Unfortunately, any vision loss as a result of glaucoma is usually permanent and cannot be restored. This is why regular preventive eye examinations are so important.

Can glaucoma be prevented?
No, but early detection and treatment can control glaucoma and reduce the chances of damage to the eye and a loss of sight.