Due to its gradual nature, Glaucoma is notoriously known as “the silent thief of sight.” This is emphasized by the fact that around the time it’s detected in someone’s eyes, significant damage has already been done. And while further damage can be prevented with treatment, any vision loss you’re experiencing isn’t reversible.

But that begs the question (and many others): “Where does glaucoma come from?” “Is it hereditary?” “Can it be prevented or reversed?”

To help you spot the signs, this Glaucoma Awareness Month, Center For Sight  is answering your most burning questions surrounding glaucoma and what can be done to help preserve your vision for years to come.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

The short answer is, “Yes.”

Glaucoma is most common in adults over 60, but some people can experience symptoms earlier if they have a family history.

While some genetic conditions can “skip” a generation, having any blood relative (siblings, parents, grandparents) with glaucoma can increase your risk of developing it.

If glaucoma develops before the age of 40, it’s considered early-onset glaucoma. Typically, when anyone turns 40 there’s a natural risk of developing glaucoma, but after they turn 60 the risk increases substantially, whether it’s genetic or not.

What is the First Sign of Glaucoma?

There are many factors at play in identifying the first signs of glaucoma. It all depends on the type and stage of the disease you are in. Some forms of glaucoma don’t have warning signs, and you may not notice an effect on your vision until later stages of the disease. That’s why it’s so important to have regular, comprehensive eye exams which catch signs of glaucoma before they impact your vision.

Here are a few types of glaucoma and their respective signs:

• Open-angle – No early-stage symptoms. Patchy blind spots in peripheral vision. Difficulty seeing things in your central vision in later stages.
• Acute angle-closure – Headache, severe eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, halos or colored rings around lights, and eye redness.
• Normal-tension – No early-stage symptoms. Gradually blurred vision. Later-stage loss of peripheral vision.
• Children
  • Infants: Dull or cloudy eye, increased blinking, tears without crying. 
  • Toddlers and up: Blurred vision, worse nearsightedness, headaches.
• Prigmentary – Halos around lights, gradual loss or blurry peripheral vision.

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your eye doctor immediately.

Is Glaucoma Reversible?

There is no way to undo damage that has been caused by glaucoma.

However, there are a few different methods that can be done to lower eye pressure and preserve your vision, which depends on the severity of the condition.

• Eye Drops – Drops help limit the amount of fluid the eye produces and creates passagesways for fluid to drain better.
• Surgery – Depending on the severity of the disease, your doctor might recommend one of the following surgeries: trabeculectomy, MIGS, or Glaucoma Implant Surgery.

Can Surgery Fix Glaucoma?

Surgery wont cure or reverse vision loss, but it can help preserve your vision and stop it from worsening.

There are different kinds of surgery for glaucoma that can help lower eye pressure:

• Glaucoma Implant Surgery (GIS) – This can treat multiple types of glaucoma. The surgeon implants a small tube, or shunt, onto the white part of the eye. This tube helps drain extra fluid, lowering eye pressure.
• Trabeculectomy – Used to treat open-angle glaucoma. The surgeon creates a small opening in the top of the eye under the eyelid. This opening lets extra fluid in the eye to drain away, lowering pressure. 
• Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) – Used to treat mild glaucoma. MIGS are a group of surgical procedures that use tiny incisions and microscopic equipment to reduce pressure in the eye.  There are many types of MIGS procedures, so be sure to ask your doctor about the options available.

Center For Sight? There’s No Question.

Spotting the signs of glaucoma is no easy task. That’s why it’s important to stay alert and schedule regular eye exams. At Center For Sight in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Pahrump, NV, our team of skilled professionals can help you spot the warning signs and protect your vision by treating glaucoma early.

We provide personalized, compassionate, and advanced eye care to allow you to be your best and see your best. Make an appointment today for your comprehensive eye exam and preserve your vision for the future and beyond.