Glaucoma Management Common Eye Diseases > Cataracts > Macular degeneration > Glaucoma > Diabetic Eye Care Ophthalmologists call glaucoma the “sneak thief of sight” because there is seldom an indication that you have the disease until its advanced stages. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve caused by high pressure inside the eye. Blind spots and eventually blindness results. If you are over 40 or if you have a family history of glaucoma, be sure to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Early detection and treatment can prevent permanent loss of vision. Risk Factors for Glaucoma      Increasing Age      African-American Heritage      High Blood Pressure      Family History      Diabetes      Nearsightedness      Long Term Steroid Treatment      Injury or Trauma to the Eye How is glaucoma treated? As a rule, damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Eye drops, pills, and laser and surgical operations are used to prevent or slow further damage from occurring. With any type of glaucoma, periodic examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma can worsen without your being aware of it, your treatment may need to be changed over time. In 2001 Eye Life Institute acquired a Heidelberg Retina Tomograph (HRT), a state of the art system that helps diagnose glaucoma years before symptoms become apparent to the patient. The HRT combines a laser scanning camera and specialized software that evaluates the optic nerve. The HRT exam takes just a few moments; it is painless and non-invasive; and an accurate way to follow your progress. For more information: Medem - Healthcare Information by the Nation's Medical Societies.

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