Glaucoma

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Eye

Glaucoma

Slit-lamp exam

Visual field test

Open angle glaucoma; Chronic glaucoma; Closed angle glaucoma; Congenital glaucoma

There is no way to prevent open angle glaucoma, but vision loss from open angle glaucoma can be prevented. Early diagnosis and careful management of the condition, if diagnosed, are the keys to preventing vision loss.

Most people with open angle glaucoma have no symptoms.  All persons over 40 should have an eye examination at least every 5 years, and more often if in a high-risk group. Those in high-risk groups include people with a family history of open angle glaucoma and people of African heritage.

People at high risk for acute glaucoma may opt to undergo iridotomy before having an attack. Patients who have had an acute episode in the past may undergo the procedure to prevent recurrence.

Review Date: 11/14/2005
Reviewed By: Edward B. Feinberg, MD, MPH, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.