Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the different types of glaucoma?
• Will I go blind from glaucoma?
• If my parent has glaucoma, will I get it?
• What is normal eye pressure?
• Does my insurance cover testing for glaucoma?
• Do I need to avoid certain medicines if I have glaucoma?
• What is SLT laser?

 

What are the different types of glaucoma?

There are two basic forms of glaucoma. Chronic glaucoma, in which there are rarely symptoms, and acute glaucoma, which can cause symptoms of red painful eye, headache, blurred vision, rainbow, haloes around lights, and nausea and vomiting. Though chronic glaucoma requires treatment, acute glaucoma is an emergency! Without immediate treatment, acute glaucoma can result in blindness. Chronic glaucoma is responsible for more than 90% of all glaucoma, however. Acute glaucoma is more common in people of Asian ancestry, but can occur in anyone.

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Will I go blind from glaucoma?

Glaucoma has a well-deserved reputation as a blinding disease because when left un-treated or un-diagnosed, it can lead to blindness. If we discover it early, however, it can be effectively treated. If you are under the care of an eye specialist for your condition, and you follow the doctor's instructions carefully, chances are good that your vision will remain stable over time. It can't be stressed enough, however, that using medication as directed and regular follow up visits to the doctor are essential in assuring the best vision over time.

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If my parent has glaucoma, will I get it?

There is good evidence that glaucoma runs in families. However, just because a parent has it doesn't mean you're certain to get it. It is important for anyone with a family history of the condition to get regular eye examinations to assure that there is no evidence of glaucoma. This way, if glaucoma does develop, it can be caught early and treated before it causes serious trouble in the eyes. Having a grandparent or uncle with glaucoma, or a non-blood relative (i.e. husband, uncle by marriage, etc.) with the condition does not significantly increase your chances of developing the disease.

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What is normal eye pressure?

For most people intraocular pressure is in the range of 10-20 mm Hg. However, everyone's eye responds differently to pressure. Some people have no problem with an eye pressure in the twenties; others have severe glaucoma damage in their eyes withpressure in the teens. In the past, it was felt that the eye pressure had to be elevated to cause glaucoma. Now, we know that glaucoma can occur at any eye pressure. This makes it essential that your eye care professional not only checks your eye pressure, but also examines the optic nerve to be sure there's no sign of glaucoma.

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Does my insurance cover testing for glaucoma?

Medicare allows a screening test for glaucoma once a year if you are at risk to develop the disease. All medical insurance companies cover medical problems, and glaucoma is considered a medical eye condition. Thus, if you have glaucoma, or any other eye condition, or if your doctor thinks you may have glaucoma, your medical insurance should cover office visits and tests for glaucoma. You don't need any special type of vision coverage on your insurance for them to cover these examinations.

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Do I need to avoid certain medicines if I have glaucoma?

Many over-the-counter medications including cold remedies, allergy medications and anti-histamines recommend that you consult your doctor if you have glaucoma. Interestingly, if you know you have glaucoma, it's unlikely you'll have a problem with these medications. These medicines are contraindicated in people with narrow angle glaucoma which is unusual, can only be diagnosed with a complete eye exam, and generally can be effectively treated with laser treatment so as to prevent any future problems.

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What is SLT laser?

This is a laser which is used to treat the most common form of glaucoma known as “open angle glaucoma.” When intraocular pressure is too high, the laser can be used instead of eye drops or in conjunction with eye drops to help lower the pressure. The laser works by stimulating the eye’s natural drainage system with small bursts of laser energy. This often has the effect of making the eye’s drain work more effectively, thus lowering intraocular pressure. Although it doesn’t work for everyone, the laser is a quick, painless procedure with few side effects which is frequently worth trying. We especially like to use it when people have difficulty using the eye drops they have or need additional pressure lowering despite the drops they’re using.

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