Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steals sight without warning and often without symptoms. Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable containing over a million wires and is responsible for carrying the images we see to the brain. It was once thought that high intraocular pressure (IOP) was the main cause of this optic nerve damage. Although IOP is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved since even people with "normal" IOP can experience vision loss from glaucoma. Glaucoma is a chronic disease. It must be treated for life. To date, its causes are not well understood, and there is no cure.

It is estimated that 3 million Americans have glaucoma, and 67 million people worldwide will have glaucoma by the year 2000. At least half do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms (that's why they call it the "sneak thief of sight"). Untreated, glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.

In most cases, there are no warning signs. In the later stages of the disease, some symptoms may occur. These can include:

loss of side vision (also called peripheral vision)
difficulty focusing on close work
seeing colored rings or halos around lights
headaches and eye pain
frequent changes of prescription glasses
difficulty adjusting eyes to the dark

The best way to find out if you have glaucoma is to get regular and complete eye exams.

Glaucoma can affect all ages, young and old. It is the leading cause of blindness in African-Americans. People at greater risk include those: over the age of 60
who are African-American over age 40
with relatives who have glaucoma
who have diabetes
who are very nearsighted

Regular and complete eye exams are important.In general, a check for glaucoma should be done.

at age 35 and at age 40
after age 40, every 2-3 years
after age 60, every 1-2 years

If you have any of the risk factors mentioned above, you should get your eyes thoroughly examined every 1-2 years after your 30th birthday

There are several types of glaucoma. The most common is called primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). This type of glaucoma accounts for 90% of all cases. Other types include closed-angle glaucoma, congenital glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma.

Currently, glaucoma cannot be prevented. Fortunately, with early detection and proper treatment, blindness from glaucoma can usually be prevented. Regular, complete eye exams help monitor changes in your eyesight.

Individual treatments will vary from person to person. Treatments include medications (eyedrops and/or pills), laser surgery, standard surgery and drainage implant devices.

A cure for glaucoma is not yet known. The Glaucoma Research Foundation is helping researchers around the world find a cure. Along the way, the search for a cure has brought promising new treatment options that help slow or stop the disease from progressing.