Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma
What Is Glaucoma?
In the US, three million people have glaucoma, and half of them are unaware they have this potentially blinding disease. Glaucoma results in vision loss over time in approximately one in ten people. Chronically fluctuating or elevated eye pressure can eventually damage the optic nerve, resulting in loss of peripheral (or side) vision. People experiencing these changes may become visually impaired despite the best medical care and treatment.
What Are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
According to Dr. Eleanor E. Faye, Medical Director of Lighthouse International, "Until recently, increased eye pressure was considered to be the major risk factor in glaucoma, and it was believed that lowering this pressure would protect the eye's optic nerve from damage. While this is true, it is not a complete explanation. The effect of pressure on the optic nerve varies for each person. Current concepts clarify that vision loss in glaucoma is a response of a layer of cells in the retina (ganglion cells) to elevated or, in some cases normal, eye pressure. Genetics may also contribute."
Although anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at higher risk, including African Americans over the age of 40, and everyone over the age of 60, especially Hispanics.
What Challenges Do People with Advanced Glaucoma Experience?
Individuals who have lost vision due to glaucoma may experience:
- Mobility issues -- inability to see curbs, changes in surfaces and other obstacles; fear of accidents and falling due to impaired side vision
- Poor night vision
- Difficulty reading
- Decreased response to magnification
- Inability to differentiate colors
- Reduced contrast
- Increased need for light
- Difficulty identifying medication labels
- Issues of compliance with taking many drops for glaucoma
- Depression related to vision loss
What Can Be Done?
Based on an evaluation of functional vision, low vision doctors and rehabilitation professionals can help people with glaucoma maximize their remaining vision and ability to accomplish daily tasks. They work as a team to design an individual rehabilitation plan with solutions to specific problems such as reading -- often with the help of prescribed optical devices -- crossing streets, and any other activity someone is having difficulty with.
What Practical Adaptations May Improve Life with Glaucoma-related Vision Loss?
Rehabilitation professionals can introduce safe, new, practical ways to help meet daily challenges, including:
- Scanning techniques to help compensate for loss of peripheral vision
- Eliminating or reducing glare, where possible (for example, using a tablecloth to cut glare from glossy or polished tabletops; positioning the television or computer screen away from windows)
- Increasing contrast to read print and distinguish objects in the environment (such as using colored safety tape or tread strips to point out thresholds and steps; and using a white plate on a dark placemat)
- Medication labeling and organizing techniques
- Using high-contrast or raised dot labels, along with other adaptations for the kitchen, laundry and household needs
- Computer adaptations and accessibility training
- Special tinted lenses to increase contrast and reduce glare