Glaucoma is category of eye diseases that result in vision loss without symptoms or warning signs.  It has been called the "silent thief of sight".  Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. (British Journal of Ophthalmology 2006;90:262-267; doi:10.1136/bjo.2005.081224)  It has been estimated that 2.2 million Americans have glaucoma and a 2.2 million Americans have undiagnosed glaucoma. (National Institute of Health)  Early detection of glaucoma is essential to slow or stop the progression of the disease. 

Glaucoma is an increase in pressure in the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve that carries information from the eye to the brain. 

Although anyone can develop glaucoma, certain groups of people are at higher risk than others.

Family History of Glaucoma:  Do you have a family member with the hereditary, potentially blinding glaucoma? If you answer "yes" to this question, your risk for developing glaucoma increases 4 to 9 times.

People over 60:  You are 6 times more likely to develop this disease if you are over 60.

African-American:  The leading cause of blindness in African-Americans is glaucoma.  Glaucoma is 6 times more common in people of African-American decent than those of Caucasian decent.

• Hispanics over the age of 60
• Asians
• History of eye injury
• Steriod users
• High nearsightedness
• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure

Since glaucoma typically affects the peripheral vision first, the visual field exam is vital in the detection and management of this potentially blinding condition. 

Visual Field Exam:  The visual field exam is a simple, non-invasive test to determine a patient's range of vision.  The test involves looking straight ahead and clicking a button when blinking lights are noticed in the peripheral vision.  The visual field exam can also be used in the detection a wide number of conditions such as the following:

• Glaucoma
• Optic Nerve damage
• Strokes
• Tumors
• Aneurysms
• Multiple Sclerosis

Using the latest technology, including the Humphrey Visual Field 750, your comprehensive eye health exam is available at Caruso Eye Care.