Ocular Hypertension

(time 0:54) Glaucoma: Description

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. Glaucoma is often called the silent thief of sight, gradually stealing vision without warning and often without symptoms. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. It was once thought that elevated pressure inside of the eye was the main cause of optic nerve damage. Although elevated pressure is clearly a risk factor, we now know that other factors must also be involved because even people with "normal" pressure can experience vision loss from glaucoma.

(time 1:44) : Glaucoma: Treatment Overview

There are a number of treatment options available, that are designed to slow down, or stop damage to the eye that is caused by glaucoma. While vision that has already been lost due to glaucoma can not be recovered, these treatments can stop vision loss from getting worse. Your eye care professional may suggest medicated eye drops, a laser procedure, or a surgical procedure, to treat glaucoma. These treatments all have a common goal; to lower pressure inside of the eye, and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Prescription eye drops lower pressure inside of the eye, by decreasing the amount of fluid the eye produces, or by helping fluid leave the eye more easily. Laser procedures can lower eye pressure by relieving blockage in the drain mechanism of the eye. In some cases, lasers are also used to create new drainage channels inside the eye, when there is an obstruction to the normal flow of fluid. Surgical procedures lower eye pressure by creating an opening in the wall of the eye, so the fluid can easily escape. Another surgical approach is to implant a tube called a shunt, to channel fluid out of the eye. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of glaucoma you have, how far it has advanced, and your general health. Your eye care professional will determine the best approach for you.

(time 1:05) : How the Eye Works

The inner workings of the human eye are complex, but at the same time, fascinating. The eye is easy to understand if you think of it as a camera. When you take a picture - the lens in the front of the camera allows light through and focuses that light on the film. When the light hits the film, a picture is taken. The eye works in much the same way. In a healthy eye, the lens is clear and allows light to pass through. Light is focused by the cornea and lens onto a thin layer of tissue called the retina. The retina works like the film in a camera. When light hits the retina, tiny cells collect the light signals, and convert them into electrical signals, which are then sent through the optic nerve, and to the brain, where they are processed into the images we see.

(time 1:37) : The Importance of Complete Eye Exams

Caring for your eyesight begins with complete eye examinations. Complete eye exams are about more than just testing your vision – it’s a full check-up for your eyes. Many eye care problems can develop over long periods of time – without symptoms – and can irreversibly damage your vision. Regularly scheduled complete eye exams are the best way to detect such conditions early, and address them before they develop into more serious problems. Most adults should have a complete eye exam every one to two years. Children should receive complete eye exams regularly as they grow – to detect and treat eye conditions that can affect their progress in school. Infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months, and subsequent exams as directed by their eye doctor. Patients who are at a higher risk for certain conditions – such as diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, and those over the age of 40 – should have exams more frequently, as recommended by their eye doctor. Remember that caring for your eyesight begins with complete eye examinations. They are the best way to detect eye conditions early, and address them before they develop into more severe problems.