I don't think it hurts, but the symptoms are raised pressure in the eyes, which can damage the optic nerve if not treated. The field of vision gradually becomes affected, meaning you cannot see around the edges of your vision. This gradually gets worse over time. In severe cases you may only have a very small field of vision, or even go blind. It is treatable with eye drops to reduce the pressure, or surgery if that doesn't work. It is hereditary, if you have family members with this, yo should have regular check ups, I have to go every 6 months.What is glaucoma, does it hurt and what are the symptoms, can anyone advise. Is it hereditary.?
Pedestal was most informative. There is one item that no
one touched on: Glaucoma can be an early sign of diabetes.
There's more than one form of glaucoma...
I would love to be able to tell you exactly what it is.
Fifteen years ago we knew, but now we've made progress and we're not so sure.
The most common form of glaucoma, 90% of cases, does not hurt and has no significant or reliable symptoms until it is quite advanced. It can only be found early by testing for it, which is why routine checks are important for people over 40.
The older classic definition of glaucoma might be ';raised pressure inside the eye, leading to nerve damage,and blindness if untreated.';
It is now known that some people can develop glaucoma *without* raised pressure, and some people with noticably raised pressures do not go on to develop glaucoma.
As the ';pressure test'; alone has become less useful, increasing emphasis is being placed on the visual fields and the appearance of the optic nerve, seen through the pupil.
Rarer glaucomas: Acute glaucoma comes on suddenly and painfully, with distinctive signs and symptoms.
A painful eye with blurry vision needs seeing within hours...
(it's not always glaucoma: acute iritis also produces similar symptoms). Sometimes there have been minor ';warning'; attacks especially in the early hours of the morning.
Acute glaucoma usually affects an older age group than chronic simple glaucoma, but this is not to be relied upon.
Both these types show a definite hereditary factors, but not simple inheritance.
It is possible to be born with glaucoma, and there is a very rare form affecting children.
Glaucoma also occurs secondary to other eye conditions and injuries.
The latest curious link, being investigated, is between eye nerve chages in glaucoma and brain nerve changes in Alzheimer's disease. The significance of this is not yet fully understood.
Optometrist, retired.
I hope this helps
http://www.guru4eyes.com/disease.html
explains many eye diseases including glaucoma.
HTH
Glaucoma is a build up of the fluid pressure within the eye. It can get a bit painful and one of the first symptoms I noticed were rainbow coloured haloes round bright lights and, at night when driving, I could not see too well to the left and therefore had a tendency to drive towards the centre of the road! I live in the UK and therefore drive on the left.
I had laser treatment which, in effect, bores fresh drainage holes in the back of the eye and that worked well for a while, but I am now using XALATAN eye drops every night in each eye which control the condition perfectly.
I still dislike very bright lights and wear anti-glare lenses in my glasses. I can now see perfectly to the left, by the way.
It is nothing to do with blocked tear ducts whatsoever.
It is hereditary, my mother had it as well and in the UK, if there is a family history of the condition, I believe one can get free eye tests for life. There is a link between glaucoma and diabetes. My mother who had glaucoma was type 2 diabetic. My brother who is type 1 diabetic does not have the condition.
hey, its when pressure builds up in the eye and if gets out of hand can cause big problems with ur eyesite... u will feel a slight pressure as if someone is sqeezing ur eyeball-my grandma had it and as its known to be hereditary i have been advised to be tested once a year so they can catch anything if it mite occur sooner rather than later-as long as u keep regular appointments with option u should be fine...
its treatable!!
hope this helps
Glaucoma is raised pressure within the eyeball. It is a common cause of blindness in the elderly. In its early stages there are no symptoms so you everyone should get their eyes tested every 2 years. Symptoms are pain in the eye, sensitivity to bright lights and haloes. It is rarely inherited but can be a symptom of Typr 2 diabetes. Treatment is with tablets or eye drops to reduce the pressure.
i believe glaucoma is blocked tear ducts and yes it is hereditary - check on wikipedia
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