Glaucoma

Older woman with glasses cuddling older man with glasses on couch

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases caused by atrophy of the optic nerve, which can lead to irreversible vision loss.

A clear fluid, called aqueous humor, fills the front of your eye and provides nourishment to the tissues. Like the air in a balloon, the aqueous also provides pressure to help maintain the shape of the eye.

In most types of glaucoma, the eye’s natural drainage system loses function and the fluid inside the eye cannot drain. This lack of drainage causes an elevation of pressure within the eye. This increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) has demonstrated the ability to exert pressure on the optic nerve and result in vision loss.

Most forms of glaucoma produce no symptoms until vision loss is so great that it affects the quality of life of the individual. Because glaucoma tends to be silent, it is referred to as "the sneaky thief of sight.” It is estimated that 2.5 million Americans have glaucoma and half are unaware that they have the disease. Approximately 130,000 Americans are currently blind from glaucoma. It is the second most common cause of blindness worldwide. A number of important risk factors for glaucoma have been identified including elevated eye pressure, family history, race and age.

Primary open-angle glaucoma accounts for approximately 90% of all cases. It exhibits few symptoms, if any, until it reaches an advanced stage.
Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but more severe and is marked with a rapid rise in eye pressure and severe vision loss.

Adults over 60 are six times more likely to have glaucoma than the general population.
Black people are six to eight times more likely than white people to have glaucoma.
People with a family history of glaucoma or diabetes are at greater risk for glaucoma.
About 800,000 Americans 40 to 50 years of age have elevated eye pressure from glaucoma.
Approximately 2,000,000 Americans over 70 have elevated eye pressure from glaucoma.

Since glaucoma often doesn't show many signs, it's important to have regular eye exams to catch glaucoma early and treat it successfully.

During a routine glaucoma exam, the doctor will likely measure the pressure in your eye and look inside to check the optic nerve. They might also use a visual field test to keep track of your side vision and see how well the treatment is working.

The most common way to treat glaucoma is through medications. About half of glaucoma patients use two or more medications to lower the pressure inside their eyes.

At Ochsner, we offer the latest treatments and take part in research programs. Because glaucoma is a long-lasting and progressive condition, people with glaucoma need lifelong and regular check-ups to monitor their eye pressure and the health of their optic nerve and vision. Our doctors specialize in caring for people with this vision-threatening disease and use the newest methods for diagnosis and treatment. We're also involved in teaching and offer opportunities for patients to join important glaucoma research programs.

There are different surgical or laser treatments that can also help lower eye pressure, but they can permanently change the eye's anatomy and have varying levels of success. These treatments include trabeculectomy, iridectomy, iridotomy, laser trabeculoplasty and glaucoma implant procedures.

Canaloplasty is a newer procedure that doesn't permanently change the eye's anatomy and allows for other treatment options if needed.

Woman with glasses sitting with her legs crossed and smiling

Southshore Region Ochsner Flight Care Hurricane Ida 2

Ochsner Vision Center

At the Ochsner Vision Center, you can find fashionable eyewear at great prices and easily order contact lenses online. With several convenient locations, we provide personalized care to help you see clearly.