Why early detection of Glaucoma important?

Early glaucoma detection is crucial because glaucoma often has no early symptoms yet causes irreversible vision loss if left untreated. By identifying glaucoma in its earliest stages, you and your eye care professional can start treatment sooner, slow disease progression and preserve your vision and quality of life.

What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). The two main types are:

• Open-angle glaucoma: the most common form, developing slowly over time
• Angle-closure glaucoma: less common but can progress rapidly and cause sudden vision loss

Why Early Glaucoma Detection Matters

1. Vision loss is permanent
   • Glaucoma damages the optic nerve fibers that carry images to the brain.
   • Once lost, nerve fibers cannot be regenerated.
   • Early treatment can slow or halt further damage.

2. Reduces risk of progression
   • The landmark study by Heijl et al. (Arch Ophthalmol, 2002) showed that lowering IOP significantly reduces the risk of visual field loss.
   • Even a modest drop in eye pressure can slow disease progression by up to 50%.

3. Preserves quality of life
   • Vision impairment affects daily activities—reading, driving, recognizing faces.
   • Detecting glaucoma early means more years of clear vision and independence.

4. Lowers treatment burden and cost
   • Early-stage glaucoma often requires fewer medications and less invasive treatments.
   • Advanced disease may need surgery, more frequent doctor visits and specialized care.

Key Risk Factors
Knowing your risk helps target screening:

• Age over 60 (over 40 for African, Hispanic or Asian descent)
• Family history of glaucoma
• Elevated eye pressure measured during routine exams
• Thin corneas, high myopia (nearsightedness) or certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes)
• History of eye injury or prolonged steroid use

Diagnostic Tools and Their Value
A thorough eye exam combines several tests—no single test is enough on its own.

1. Tonometry
   • Measures intraocular pressure (IOP).
   • Elevated IOP is a major risk factor but glaucoma can occur at normal pressures (“normal-tension glaucoma”).

2. Optic Nerve Assessment
   • Direct visualization with slit-lamp or ophthalmoscope.
   • Photographs to track any changes over time.

3. Visual Field Testing
   • Maps your peripheral (side) vision.
   • Glaucoma typically causes blind spots in the mid-peripheral field first.

4. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
   • Non-invasive imaging that measures the thickness of nerve-fiber layers.
   • Zhang et al. (American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2017) found OCT has high sensitivity and specificity, making it an excellent tool for early detection.

5. Gonioscopy
   • Examines the drainage angle of the eye to distinguish open-angle from angle-closure glaucoma.

Screening Recommendations
• Adults with no risk factors: comprehensive eye exam every 2–4 years before age 40, every 1–3 years between 40–54, every 1–2 years between 55–64, and every 1–2 years after 65.
• High-risk individuals (family history, elevated IOP, certain ethnicities): exams every 1–2 years or as advised by your eye care professional.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

• Dilation drops to widen your pupils for a better view of the optic nerve
• Measurement of your IOP with a puff of air or a gentle contact probe
• Imaging scans (OCT) to measure nerve-fiber thickness
• Visual field test, which involves looking into a dome and signaling when you see small lights

No Early Symptoms? Take Action Anyway
Because glaucoma can begin without pain or noticeable vision changes, it’s important not to wait for symptoms. If you have risk factors or haven’t had an eye exam in a while, consider doing a free, online symptom check for glaucoma to help you decide whether to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

Treatment Options After Early Detection

1. Eye drops
   • Usually the first line of defense to lower IOP.
   • Must be used regularly to be effective.

2. Laser therapy
   • Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) can improve fluid drainage.
   • Often used when drops alone are insufficient or not tolerated.

3. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
   • A range of small procedures that improve fluid outflow with fewer risks than traditional surgery.

4. Traditional surgery
   • Trabeculectomy or tube shunts for advanced disease not controlled by other means.

Tips for Supporting Eye Health

• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed
• Wear protective eyewear to prevent injury
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, balanced diet and blood pressure control
• Avoid tobacco use, which can worsen circulation to the optic nerve

Talk to Your Doctor
Early glaucoma detection gives you the best chance to protect your vision. If you have concerns—especially if you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma or have never had an eye exam—make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Always speak to a doctor about any serious or life-threatening concerns. Your eye health matters—don’t wait until symptoms appear to take action.