1. 1. Learn About Glaucoma
2. Know the Most Common Types & Symptoms
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that…
Primary open-angle glaucoma. Symptoms can include:
Can damage vision so slowly that a
person may not notice any changes
Damage the eye’s optic
nerve & cause vision loss
Gradual loss of peripheral (side to side
& up/down) vision, usually in both eyes
Tunnel vision (seeing a very
small area directly in front)
Can be effectively treated
if diagnosed early
Angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms can include:
TOOL: NIH Medline Health
http://1.usa.gov/1euFtJf
Sudden, severe blurred vision
Severe pain – often affecting one eye at a time
Other types of glaucoma can include: secondary, exfoliative,
neurovascular, uveitic, and traumaticcongenital, combined
mechanism, narrow angle & normal-tension.
5. Get an Early, Accurate Diagnosis
& Effective Treatment
An accurate diagnosis of glaucoma should be made by an
ophthalmologist & should include a history, physical exam, eye
exam & an assessment of the impact of glaucoma on daily life.
Glaucoma can be effectively treated in the following ways:
Medicine
Laser Surgery
Low Vision
Rehab
Microsurgery
TOOL: Glaucoma Animation
http://1.usa.gov/JZnbqq
Adaptive
Equipment
3. Know the Risk Factors
Increased eye pressure High blood pressure
TOOL: Understanding &
Living with Glaucoma
http://bit.ly/JZr2nx
Support
Groups
Eating Healthy
Foods
Staying
Active
Family history of glaucoma Over age 60
4. Learn About the Impact
Glaucoma can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life.
Quality of life is most impacted when a person has problems with:
Anxiety, depression,
fear & uncertainty
Isolation due to
lack of mobility
Cooking, cleaning
& self care
Darkness or glare
from bright lights
Heart disease, diabetes,
hypothyroidism
Long-term
steroid use
Being of African/
Asian descent
Bumping
into things
Home Care
Driving
Working
Fear of falling
TOOL: Evaluation of Quality of Life &
Priorities of Patients with Glaucoma
http://bit.ly/1lYeZCP
Tripping
over objects
Reading &
seeing in detail
Volunteerism
& socialization
TOOL: Glaucoma Research
Foundation
http://bit.ly/1lFEj2U
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