Glaucoma Can Lead to Irreversible Vision Loss

Glaucoma can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in those aged 60 and older.

 Read
Join Helpful now
Get more personalized support for free with Helpful.

Get insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one place

Glaucoma Awareness

Helpful Highlights

What it is

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions characterized by damage to the optic nerve, often associated with increased pressure inside the eye. This progressive optic nerve damage can lead to irreversible vision loss and, if left untreated, eventual blindness. There are two major categories of glaucoma, both with several variations:

Open-Angle vs Angle-Closure Glaucoma

How can I tell if my loved one has glaucoma?

Open-angle glaucoma usually has no symptoms in its early stages, earning it the nickname "the silent thief of sight." However, as the condition progresses, symptoms may become more apparent. These can include:

In the case of closed-angle glaucoma, there may be sudden and severe symptoms such as intense eye pain, nausea, vomiting, and a noticeable decrease in vision.

Your loved one will need to tell you what they are experiencing, as there are no outwardly observable symptoms that you'll notice on your own.

What can I do for my loved one?

Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection, as symptoms may not be evident until significant vision loss has occurred. Early detection and management are essential in controlling glaucoma and preventing vision impairment.

If your loved one is diagnosed with glaucoma, here are the many ways you can help:

Supporting a loved one with glaucoma involves various aspects of care and understanding. Remember that your loved one's experience with glaucoma is unique from anyone else, so maintaining open communication and adapting your support based on their specific needs is essential.

Join Helpful now

RESOURCES

American Academy of Ophthalmology

Cleveland Clinic

Glaucoma Research Foundation

National Eye Institute

The Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group. (2004). Prevalence of open-angle glaucoma among adults in the United States. Archives of Ophthalmology, 122(4), 532-538. DOI

Zhang, N., Wang, J., Chen, B., Li, Y., & Jiang, B. (2021). Prevalence of primary angle closure glaucoma in the last 20 years: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Frontiers in Medicine. DOI

No content in this app, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Get more support and guidance on insurance benefits, medical records and legal forms.

Helpful brings together your insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one personalized place — so you always know what you have, and never have to search again.

banner

Simplifying Healthcare, Supporting Mental Health

An all-in-one solution to help navigate the complexities of healthcare and support with mental health, for you or your loved one.

sync

Manage All Your Health Info in One Place

Learn More

therapy

In-Network Mental Healthcare

Find a Therapist

legal

Create Legal Documents to Guide Your Care

Learn More

call insurance

Let Us Call Your Insurance So You Don't Have To

Learn More

insurance

Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

Learn More

money

Manage a Health Condition with Confidence

Learn More