Our five senses shape how we experience and understand the world, and among them, vision is one of the most profound. For those who have never faced vision changes due to disease or injury, it’s easy to take sight for granted. However, conditions like glaucoma can gradually steal vision without warning. While glaucoma can affect people at any age, the risk increases significantly after 60.
Recently, I spoke with a high school teacher who shared a powerful classroom exercise designed to help students understand what it’s like to live with deteriorating eyesight. To simulate vision loss, he gives each student a pair of goggles smeared with Vaseline—some with only a small clear spot in the corner, others with a tiny clear dot in the center. As the students attempt to read and write through the blurry lenses, they instinctively bob their heads up and down, tilting and shifting their gaze in an effort to see more clearly. The teacher described their movements as almost comical, yet their struggle mirrors the daily reality for many seniors with vision impairment.
This exercise serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges older adults face. By recognizing these difficulties, we can extend more kindness, patience, and compassion. Much like how the Vaseline-covered goggles hinder vision, glaucoma’s silent progression gradually robs individuals of their sight. Since March is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to spread awareness—not just among younger generations but within our entire community. Understanding what glaucoma is, how it can be managed after diagnosis, and what steps can be taken to prevent it is crucial. Join me as we explore this important topic together.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disease that leads to vision loss and, in its later stages, blindness. As mentioned in the introduction, it is often called the “silent blinder” because it develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. The disease begins with an abnormality in the eye’s drainage system, preventing fluid from properly escaping. This buildup increases pressure inside the eye, placing excessive strain on the optic nerve—the vital connection between the retina and the brain. Over time, this pressure causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve, leading to permanent vision loss.
While there are several types of glaucoma, the most common among seniors is open-angle glaucoma.
Symptoms
For individuals with open-angle glaucoma, vision loss typically begins at the edges of the visual eld and gradually creeps toward the center. Because this disease progresses silently, it can take months or even years for enough optic nerve damage to occur before symptoms become noticeable.
In some cases, open-angle glaucoma can present as an acute episode, where fluid buildup happens rapidly instead of progressing slowly. This sudden increase in eye pressure causes noticeable symptoms, including:
- Severe eye pain
- Seeing “rainbows” or halos around lights
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Narrowed field of vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Prompt treatment can help prevent permanent vision loss and blindness.
Treatment options
The treatment for glaucoma depends on the type, severity, and progression of the disease. Your healthcare provider will determine the best course of action based on factors such as your age, medical history, and overall health.
While there is no cure for glaucoma, early intervention can help slow its progression and preserve vision. Treatment options include:
- Eye drops – The most common treatment, eye drops help reduce pressure by either decreasing fluid production or improving fluid drainage from the eye.
- Surgery – In cases where eye drops are not effective, surgical procedures can create new drainage pathways for excess fluid. This may involve creating an opening in the eye or inserting a shunt. Laser surgery is also a widely used option.
- Cataract surgery – According to the National Library of Medicine, cataract surgery has been shown to lower intraocular pressure in some glaucoma patients, making it a potential treatment option.
Early detection and proper management are crucial in preventing further vision loss. If you have risk factors for glaucoma, regular eye exams can help catch the disease before significant damage occurs.
Prevention
Because glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, regular check-ups with your optometrist are the best way to catch it in its early stages. Early detection increases your chances of preserving your vision and maintaining long-term eye health.
Research also suggests that a healthy lifestyle plays a significant role in eye health. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, a recent study on aerobic exercise found that moderate to vigorous physical activity reduced the average rate of visual field loss by approximately 10 percent. Another study confirmed that aerobic exercise—such as walking, swimming, biking, or using stationary machines—performed at a brisk pace for 30 to 45 minutes, three to four times a week, lowered intraocular pressure and improved blood flow to both the brain and the eye.
In addition to regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and making other positive lifestyle choices can benefit not only your overall well-being but also your long-term eye health.
Of all our senses, eyesight is one of the most precious. As Henry David Thoreau once said, “The eye is the jewel of the body.” Protecting that jewel starts with proactive choices—maintaining a healthy lifestyle and scheduling regular eye exams to catch glaucoma in its earliest stages.
For those already living with the irreversible effects of glaucoma, Serving Hands Senior Care is here to help. Our compassionate caregivers can be your eyes, walking beside you to support your daily needs with care and dignity.
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