Glaucoma occurs when there is too much fluid pressure in the eye, causing internal eye damage and gradually destroying vision. The basic cause of glaucoma is not known but, with early diagnosis and treatment, it can usually be controlled and blindness prevented. Treatment consists of prescription eyedrops, oral medications, laser treatments, or in some cases surgery. Glaucoma seldom produces early symptoms, and usually there is no pain from increased pressure. For these reasons, it is important for eye specialists to test for the disease during routine eye examinations in those over 35.
Retinal disorders are a leading cause of blindness in the United States.
The retina is a thin lining on the back of the eye made up of nerves that receive visual images and pass them on to the brain. Retinal disorders include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. Early detection of macular degeneration is important since some cases may be handled well with laser treatments. Diabetic retinopathy, one of the possible problems of diabetes, occurs when the small blood vessels that feed the retina fail to do so properly. In the early stages of the condition, the blood vessels may leak fluid, which distorts vision.