What is glaucoma and why should I be concerned?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can rob you of your vision. An estimated three million Americans have glaucoma, making it one of the most common causes of blindness in adults. About half of those people don’t even realize they have the disease since it often develops without pain. It develops slowly causing impaired vision loss and, if left untreated, can lead to complete blindness.

In many people, increased pressure inside the eye causes glaucoma. In the front of the eye is a space called the anterior chamber. A clear liquid flows continuously in and out of this space and nourishes earby tissues. (Click on image for larger version.)

Am I at risk for glaucoma?
Glaucoma does not discriminate. It can strike any age, any race, male or female at anytime. However, certain groups are at greater risk than others:

Anyone over 50 years of age
African-Americans over 35 years of age
Individuals with a family history of glaucoma
Diabetics
Individuals with hypertension
Long term users of steroids (i.e. Prednisone)
Anyone who has suffered a traumatic eye injury
People who are nearsighted

How do I know if I have glaucoma?
Glaucoma often develops without pain or other symptoms as it destroys your peripheral vision. Only a thorough examination of the optic nerve will help determine whether or not you have the disease. In the more progressive and serious cases, patients can lose their peripheral vision, see rainbow-colored rings around lights or have trouble adjusting to dark rooms. Although these warning signs may have other causes, only a thorough examination of your eyes can determine if you have glaucoma. (Click the images below for larger versions.)