Glaucoma Research Foundation

My father is 72 year old and have glaucoma. In June 2008, I went visit him in Africa his was treated with some medication. In september 2008 I was informed that he become blind. Should his vision be restored if he come to USA?

Answer from Glaucoma Research Foundation:
Here is a link to more information on optic nerve regeneration:

http://www.glaucoma.org/questions/research/can_the_optic_nerve_be_regener.php

Posted by Danny Diamaza | November 28, 2008 11:35 AM

My doctor has told me I have Glaucoma. My eye pressure has gone from 10 a few years ago to 18 and 16. Since this is still in the normal range, should I get a second opinion? What questions should I ask my doctor to better understand her conclusion?

Answer from Glaucoma Research Foundation:

It was once believed that measuring the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) was enough to diagnose glaucoma. However, recent studies show that just measuring eye pressure is not a reliable way to detect glaucoma. Eye pressure can go up and down during the day or in a month. Also, some people's optic nerves are not damaged by high pressure while others' optic nerves are damaged by relatively low pressure.

To be safe and accurate, four factors should be checked before making a glaucoma diagnosis:

1) the inner eye pressure (IOP) [Tonometry test]
2) the shape and color of the optic nerve (Ophthalmoscopy or dilated eye exam)
3) the complete field of vision (Perimetry test)
4) the angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea (Goniscopy test)

Here is a link to more information on diagnostic tests for glaucoma:
http://www.glaucoma.org/learn/diagnostic_test.php

Posted by Joy Easterling | December 1, 2008 11:18 AM

I am a Chinese of 55 years old, had severe Myopia before my cataract operation. Lately, I had discomfort on my right eye when I read or on the computer for too long a time. I felt my vision on that eye is not as good and at times with pain on the eye ball socket and neck of the same side.

The eye doctor checked and found generally there was no loss on my vision and the pressure was found to be on the border line of 21. A Perimetry test was done and found that the top right corner vision was not as sharp. Also a corneal thickness check found that certain area of the cornea thickness is below normal.

Is this conclusive that I have Glaucoma?
Should I start with treatment immediately or wait for further review in say 3 months time?
Will further delay in treatment worsen the condition?
Is the treatment permanent and prevent the condition from deteriorating?
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Response from the Glaucoma Research Foundation:

It was once believed that measuring the eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) was enough to diagnose glaucoma. However, recent studies show that just measuring eye pressure is not a reliable way to detect glaucoma. Eye pressure can go up and down during the day or in a month. Also, some people's optic nerves are not damaged by high pressure while others' optic nerves are damaged by relatively low pressure.

To be safe and accurate, four factors should be checked before making a glaucoma diagnosis:

1) the inner eye pressure (IOP) [Tonometry test]
2) the shape and color of the optic nerve (Ophthalmoscopy or dilated eye exam)
3) the complete field of vision (Perimetry test)
4) the angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea (Goniscopy test)

Unfortunately, we are unable to answer your medical questions or give medical advice, as we have only general information available about glaucoma and have no doctors on staff. As glaucoma is unique to the individual, we suggest that you refer your question to your doctor, as only your doctor who has examined your eyes can recommend an appropriate treatment for you.

Posted by Lim KS | January 31, 2009 6:45 PM

I have normal pressure glaucoma. I have used Travatan Z for over a year. I now have a optic nerve hemorrhage. I would like some information about this. I can't seem to find any. Is this a typical optic nerve damage? What is the
normal treatment for this? Is this dangerous?

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Response From the Glaucoma Research Foundation:

Several studies have found a link between the presence of disc hemorrhages and Normal Tension Glaucoma. Here are links to a few journal articles:

The relationship between recurrent optic disc hemorrhage and glaucoma progression. Ophthalmology 2006 Apr;113(4):598-602: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16488014

Characteristics of visual field progression in patients with normal-tension glaucoma with optic disk hemorrhages. Am J Opthalmol. 2003 Apr; 135 (4): 499-503: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12654367

Inter-eye differences in chronic open-angle glaucoma patients with unilateral disc hemorrhages. Ophthalmology 2002 Nov;109(11):2078-83: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12414418

Disk hemorrhage is a significantly negative prognostic factor in normal-tension glaucoma. Am J Opthalmol. 2000 Jun; 129 (6): 707-14: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10926977

Deterioration of visual fields in patients with glaucoma with and without optic disc hemorrhages. Am J Opthalmol. 1997 Oct; 115 (10): 1257-62 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9338670

Posted by Linda Westfall | March 17, 2009 5:07 PM

My mother is 86, and was told she has become completely blind in one eye from gluacoma. Her current presure in that eye is 32. I was worried that non treatment of a pressure that high could cause damage to the eyeball. her doctor tells her at thisd point that less is more, nothing will bring the vision back. Understanding that, I an wondering what the common protocol is for this circumstance?

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Response from the Glaucoma Research Foundation:

It is difficult to comment on individual cases as circumstances are always unique. Treatment of blind eyes with glaucoma is usually limited to keeping the IOP low enough to prevent pain in that eye. Pain may occur when the cornea becomes edematous. This can occur at pressures above about 35mmHg. It is unlikely that a blind eye would receive treatment before that.

Posted by Joanne | March 22, 2009 5:15 PM