·         Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)

·         Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light

Both open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma can be primary or secondary conditions. They're called primary when the cause is unknown and secondary when the condition can be traced to a known cause, such as eye injury, inflammation, tumor, advanced cataract or diabetes.

When to See a Doctor

Do not wait for noticeable eye problems. Regular eye exams are the key to detecting glaucoma early enough for successful preventive treatment.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam for all adults starting at age 40, and every three to five years after that if you don't have any glaucoma risk factors. After age 60, you should be screened every year. African-Americans or those with other risk factors for glaucoma begin regular eye exams starting between ages 20 and 39, and every one to two years after age 40.  In addition, be aware that a severe headache or pain in your eye or eyebrow, nausea, blurred vision, or rainbow halos around lights may be the symptoms of an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack. If you experience two or more of these symptoms together, seek immediate care at our office, an emergency room, or an ophthalmologist's office right away.

Prevention

1.       Control your weight and blood pressure. Studies have shown that insulin resistance — which may result from hypertension and obesity — is linked to elevated intraocular pressure.

2.       Wear eye protection. Serious eye injuries can lead to glaucoma. Wear eye protection when you use power tools or play high-speed racket sports on enclosed courts, or otherwise risk being hit in the eye.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

1.       Elevated internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure). Higher  intraocular pressure increases the risk of developing glaucoma, though not everyone with elevated intraocular pressure develops the disease.

2.       Age. Everyone older than 60 is at increased risk of glaucoma.

3.       Ethnic background. African-Americans are five times more likely to get glaucoma than are Caucasians, and they're much more likely to experience earlier onset and permanent blindness. Mexican-Americans and Asian-Americans also face an increased risk.

4.       Family history of glaucoma. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you have a much greater risk of developing it. Glaucoma may have a genetic link that may cause certain individuals to be unusually susceptible to the disease. A form of juvenile open-angle glaucoma has been clearly linked to genetic abnormalities.

5.       Medical conditions. Diabetes and hypothyroidism increase the risk of glaucoma.

6.       Other eye conditions. Severe eye injuries can result in increased eye pressure. Injury can also dislocate the lens, closing the drainage angle. Other risk factors include retinal detachment, eye tumors and eye inflammations, such as chronic uveitis and iritis. Certain types of eye surgery also may trigger secondary glaucoma.

7.       Nearsightedness. Being nearsighted, which generally means that objects in the distance look fuzzy without glasses or contacts, increases the risk of developing glaucoma.

8.       Prolonged corticosteroid use. Using corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time increases the risk of getting secondary glaucoma. This is especially true if you use corticosteroids eye drops.

Hello, my name is Karen Satawa and I am currently a Nurse Practitioner student at PrimeCare of Novi. I have been married for 19 wonderful years and have 4 awesome kids. I have lived in Michigan all of my life and truly love all of the seasons that this beautiful state provides. I enjoy walk/running, rollerblading, water skiing, ice skating, and sledding, especially with my family.