The Link Between Glaucoma and Aging: What You Need to Know

There are plenty of things to look forward to as we age, unfortunately, the thief of sight is not one of those things. That thief is also known as glaucoma, and it is a leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60. The good news is that with regular eye care appointments, you can catch glaucoma early before it causes lasting damage to your eyesight. Wouldn’t you rather spend your older years enjoying retirement and picking up new hobbies instead of worrying about losing your sight?

To help you navigate aging with ease, we have outlined the link between glaucoma and aging and provided helpful tips for ensuring healthy eyesight, no matter your age. Don’t let the thief of sight steal your vision, book an appointment with an OCLI Vision specialist today.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition impacting the optic nerve which can lead to vision loss or blindness if not caught early. The optic nerve is responsible for sending visual images to your brain from the collection of rods and cones in the eye that collect the data. Generally, glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye due to the improper drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid that circulates through the eye. However, pressure does not have to be present for the optic nerve to become damned. There are several different types of glaucoma, including:

• Open-angle glaucoma: In this type of glaucoma, parts of the eye’s drainage system do not work properly, causing the pressure to build gradually.
• Acute angle-closure: Sometimes the iris in the eye bulges, blocking the drainage channel in the eye and preventing the fluid in the eye from draining properly, causing acute glaucoma.
• Normal-tension glaucoma: Sometimes referred to as low-tension glaucoma, it occurs when the pressure in the eye remains normal. It could be that the optic nerve is sensitive or another condition is causing the buildup of fatty acids or damage to circulation.
• Pigmentary glaucoma: This occurs when small pieces of the iris flake off and block drainage from the eye. Vigorous movement, such as jogging, can cause this type of glaucoma.

No matter how it occurs, glaucoma is often dubbed the thief of sight because there are no symptoms of glaucoma that appear until it is too late and the person’s vision has already been impacted. Consequently, regular eye exams are critical as we age. Only professionals can catch glaucoma early and treat it to prevent it from taking your vision. Unfortunately, once you experience vision loss from glaucoma it cannot be reversed; the same is true of blindness.

How Aging Increases the Risk of Glaucoma

As we age, our eyes undergo changes that make it more difficult to see at night, distinguish colors, and read things up close. The lenses become less flexible and start to cloud with protein deposits, eventually leading to cataracts.The drainage system in your eye may also become blocked or damaged, which can lead to glaucoma.

Age is considered a risk factor for primary open-angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma is neurodegenerative, with age making the optic nerve weaker, contributing to the development of the disease as pressure impacts the optic nerve adversely. Age is also considered a risk factor for primary angle-closure glaucoma because thickened lenses can block drainage channels.

Additionally, as we age, we become more susceptible to health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure which can both lead to secondary glaucoma, causing irreversible damage to the optic nerve. Secondary glaucoma occurs as the result of a different disease or illness.

Other Things That Can Raise Your Risk for Glaucoma

Unfortunately, aging is not the only risk factor for glaucoma, although it is a big one. Patients are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma if they:

• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Are African American, Hispanic, or Asian
  • African American populations are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop glaucoma than those of European ancestry. Additionally, both Hispanic and Asian populations have lower instances of glaucoma than African American populations, but higher than Europeans.
• Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or serious eye injuries.
• Have been using steroid medications for a long time.

How to Catch Glaucoma Early

More than likely, you will be unaware that you have glaucoma because it does not have noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Regular eye exams from a qualified eye doctor are the only way to catch glaucoma early before it causes vision loss or blindness.

For adults aged 40 and older, all of our eye doctors recommend getting comprehensive eye exams every 1-2 years, and more often once you reach age 60 and beyond. At OCLI Vision, we have advanced equipment and experienced eye doctors that can catch glaucoma early and treat it to prevent vision loss.

What Happens During a Glaucoma Screening?

When you come in for your eye exam, your doctor will perform an easy glaucoma screening. The screening is quick and painless and may consist of different procedures, depending on your risk factors. Your eye care doctor may perform the following tests:

• Measure your cornea with a special instrument. People with thin corneas are more susceptible to glaucoma.
• Perform a dilated eye exam. Your eye care doctor will dilate your eyes using special drops to get a clearer picture of your retina and optic nerve. 
• Eye pressure measurements. Since most glaucoma occurs because of elevated pressure in the eye, this is one of the most important tests your doctor may perform. Your eye is numbed, and then the cornea depressed to measure the pressure in the eye.
• Optic nerve imaging. If needed, your eye doctor can complete optic nerve imaging using a specialized digital camera.

No matter what type of testing you undergo, it should be relatively painless and quick.

How Glaucoma Is Treated If You’re Diagnosed

While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be treated and your eyesight protected if caught with enough time. The ophthalmologists at OCLI Vision have extensive experience helping patients preserve their sight by using advanced technology and methodologies to stop glaucoma in its tracks. Depending on your risk factors, the current state of your glaucoma, and your lifestyle, your eye doctor may suggest some of these glaucoma treatment options:

• Prescription eye drops
  • Oral medications
  • Laser treatments
  • Surgery if needed

Catching glaucoma early makes it much easier to manage and gives you more glaucoma treatment options. The team at OCLI Vision creates a custom treatment plan for each patient, giving them the care and attention they deserve to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Protect Your Vision as You Age — Schedule an Eye Exam Today

By now you know that getting older increases your risk of developing glaucoma. The good news is that regular eye exams can save your vision! Do not let the thief of sight take your vision from you.

Fight back by scheduling a comprehensive exam and glaucoma screening with OCLI Vision, today!

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