Glaucoma: Causes, Risks, and Care at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma most often happens when pressure inside the eye increases and injures the optic nerve. There are several reasons this pressure can rise, and our ophthalmologists have the expertise to diagnose and treat these issues using the latest technology.
In a healthy eye, clear fluid called aqueous humor flows in and out, keeping the right amount of pressure. If the fluid builds up because the drainage system is blocked or slow, pressure rises and can slowly damage the optic nerve, sometimes before any symptoms are noticed.
The eye has a natural drainage system, known as the trabecular meshwork. If this system gets clogged, inflamed, or damaged, pressure builds up and harms the optic nerve.
- Aging can cause drainage pathways to stiffen or clog
- Inflammation from injuries, infections, or other chronic eye conditions
- Scarring after surgery or trauma that blocks fluid flow
- Structural problems in the drainage angle, especially in angle-closure glaucoma
Sometimes, people can have optic nerve damage even when eye pressure is normal. This is called normal-tension glaucoma and may be caused by poor blood flow or a fragile optic nerve.
Certain situations can lead to glaucoma by raising eye pressure or directly damaging the optic nerve.
- Eye trauma or serious injury
- Inflammatory conditions like uveitis
- Extended use of steroid medication
- Other eye diseases such as advanced cataracts, tumors, or neovascular glaucoma from diabetic eye disease
Main Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Many glaucoma risks can’t be changed, but knowing your own risk helps you make informed choices. Our team welcomes patients from Penndel, Levittown, Bensalem, Bristol, and across the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area, offering screenings for those at higher risk.
People over 60 years old are more likely to get glaucoma. The drainage system in the eye may become less efficient and the optic nerve more sensitive as we age.
If someone in your family has glaucoma, your chance of having it is significantly higher. Genetics play a key role in developing this condition.
Certain groups have different risks and types of glaucoma because of genetics and eye structure.
- People of African descent are more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma and at a younger age
- Hispanic individuals have a rising risk for open-angle glaucoma as well
- Asian individuals are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma
Some health issues can increase glaucoma risk by affecting blood flow or the pressure within the eye.
- Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, including those in the eye
- High blood pressure and heart disease may reduce blood flow to the optic nerve
- Sleep apnea can lower oxygen and harm the nerve
Past eye injuries or surgeries can change the way fluid drains, causing pressure to rise, sometimes years later.
Prolonged steroid use, through eye drops, pills, inhalers, or shots, can raise eye pressure, so regular eye checks are important.
Severe nearsightedness stretches the eyeball and optic nerve, making it more vulnerable. A thin cornea can also make glaucoma more likely and affect pressure readings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our patients often have questions about glaucoma. Here are helpful answers from our team at ReFocus Eye Health Penndel.
No. High eye pressure is a risk factor, but not all people with high pressure develop glaucoma. Glaucoma is diagnosed by checking for optic nerve damage and changes in your field of vision.
In the most common type, open-angle glaucoma, symptoms may not appear for years. The first sign is often gradual, painless loss of side vision, which can later progress to tunnel vision if untreated.
Our ophthalmologists use several tests to diagnose glaucoma:
- Tonometry (measures eye pressure)
- Gonioscopy (looks at the drainage area)
- Ophthalmoscopy (examines the optic nerve)
- Visual field testing (maps your side vision)
- Optical Coherence Tomography, or OCT (provides detailed images of the optic nerve fibers)
The most common glaucoma types include:
- Open-angle glaucoma (drainage canals slowly clog)
- Angle-closure glaucoma (drainage suddenly gets blocked, requiring prompt medical attention)
- Normal-tension glaucoma (optic nerve damage with normal eye pressure)
- Secondary glaucoma (caused by other diseases, injuries, or medications)
- Congenital glaucoma (a rare form seen at birth)
Lowering eye pressure is the main goal. Our expertise includes:
- Prescription eye drops that lower pressure or improve fluid drainage
- Laser treatment to help fluid drain more easily
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) using tiny devices to lower pressure
- Traditional surgeries for advanced or severe cases
Glaucoma cannot always be prevented. Regular full eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma early and start treatment to protect your eyesight.
Yes, glaucoma is often hereditary. Family members should have regular eye exams to catch early signs, especially if someone close has been diagnosed.
Lifestyle changes alone can’t treat glaucoma, but they help support good eye health. Regular moderate exercise, staying healthy, avoiding smoking, and wearing eye protection can be beneficial.
Glaucoma in children is rare but possible, especially congenital glaucoma. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to help prevent vision loss.
If untreated, glaucoma will slowly and permanently reduce vision, eventually causing blindness. Timely treatment can help preserve most people’s sight and quality of life.
Connect with ReFocus Eye Health Penndel
Taking care of your eyes starts with regular check-ups and staying informed about your risks. ReFocus Eye Health Penndel is proud to be a trusted resource for our neighbors in Penndel, Levittown, Bensalem, Bristol, and the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. Schedule an appointment to discuss your eye health, we’re here to help you protect your vision for years to come.
I love this office. In and out quickly. Staff amazing, friendly. Dr. Soll fantastic. Highly recommend.
Jessica Terneson
What a great experience! Dr. Soll and his team are warm, caring and extremely competent.
John Carney
Got eye exam at Refocus. Waited a little. Lady at window polite, Dr. Bano polite, courteous, listened. I recommend this place. Thank you.
Jackie Baldridge
First time at Refocus, 1st class team! Funny, professional girls. Services: laser therapy, Botox, eye exams. Dr. Soll caring, explains prevention. Thanks Refocus! Great Team 🤙
Chris Gray
Dr. Amin is very good. She explains my conditions and tells me what to expect. She has a plan for helping me, which proves that she is experienced.
Mingna Xue
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