Glaucoma at North Shore Eye Care

Glaucoma carries with it many risk factors that include race, age, diabetes, smoking and family history. People diagnosed with glaucoma usually have slow form of the condition called primary open angle glaucoma in which it can take years for it to incur damage to the eye. Many studies have shown that close to over one-third of cases remain undiagnosed. Glaucoma occurs in about 2% of the population over 40, even though less frequently it can also affect children and young adults. People with glaucoma usually have slow form of the condition, primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in which it takes years for it to incur damage to the eye. Many studies have shown that close to over one-third of cases remain undiagnosed. Risk factors for glaucoma include race, age, diabetes, smoking and family history. What actually happens during glaucoma is that the optic nerve suffers damage related to having higher pressures in the eye over a period of time. The optic nerve is sort of like a fiber optic cable that connects the eye to the brain. It carries a lot of information to the brain related to vision. Typically in glaucoma, the optic nerve damage causes  loss of peripheral vision that varies in from patient to patient. Eventually, if not treated, the loss of vision usually gets worse over the course of many months to years. 

What actually happens during glaucoma is that the optic nerve suffers damage related to having higher pressures in the eye over a period of time. The optic nerve is sort of like a fiber optic cable that connects the eye to the brain. It carries a lot of information to the brain related to vision. Typically in glaucoma, the optic nerve damage causes  loss of peripheral vision that varies in from patient to patient. Eventually, if not treated, the loss of vision usually gets worse over the course of many months to years. It is very important to understand that the loss of vision in glaucoma is usually permanent in adults. This is why early treatment is imperative and why we screen more diligently now as opposed to 30 years ago. A full ophthalmic  examination is essential to detect glaucoma early and help prevent vision loss. Unfortunately, because central vision is usually not affected until advanced stages, people are unaware that they have it. North Shore Eye Care is the Official Eye Care Providers of The New York Islanders and the Official LASIK Providers of the New York Mets.