Does Glaucoma Affect the Retina?
Glaucoma is more than just an eye condition – it’s a silent thief of sight that can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. This group of eye diseases stems from increased pressure inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve over time. Without proper management, glaucoma can affect the retina and result in irreversible vision loss. The good news? Regular eye exams with a retinal specialist can play a crucial role in catching glaucoma early and protecting your vision for the future.
What Causes Glaucoma?
The exact causes of the most common types of glaucoma remain under study, but one key factor is elevated eye pressure. When pressure inside the eye rises beyond what the optic nerve can handle, it increases the risk of nerve damage and vision loss. However, not everyone with high eye pressure develops glaucoma – tolerance levels vary from person to person. Regular dilated eye exams are essential, as they help your eye doctor identify your unique pressure range and monitor changes that could signal early signs of glaucoma.
How Glaucoma Impacts the Retina
The retina is a thin layer of tissue located at the back of the eye. It contains various types of nerve cells, including retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). These specialized projection neurons play a crucial role in transmitting a significant amount of visual information from the retina to the brain. RGCs are especially significant in the context of glaucoma, as they are the primary cells that become damaged due to the disease. Unlike peripheral nerve cells in other parts of the body, RGCs don’t regenerate once damaged, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
How to Prevent Glaucoma
Glaucoma isn’t always preventable, but there are ways to reduce your risk. Creating healthy habits, such as eating a nutritious diet and staying physically active can help control blood pressure levels. Additionally, it’s crucial to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year, especially if glaucoma runs in your family. The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed and treated, the better your vision outcomes will be.
Schedule an Appointment With a Retina Specialist
Glaucoma can negatively impact the retina and lead to permanent vision loss or blindness if untreated. The most effective way to prevent significant retinal damage due to glaucoma is to undergo regular eye exams. At Vitreoretinal Consultants, we’re proud to be one of the largest retina practices serving patients in Elmhurst, NY, Flushing, NY, Great Neck, NY, Hauppauge, NY, Manhattan (Upper East Side), NY, Scarsdale, NY, Riverhead, NY, Rockville Centre, NY, Shirley, NY, New City, NY, and Westbury, NY. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
MD: Glaucoma can cause damage to the retina and lead to permanent vision loss. Learn more about how glaucoma affects the retina and how you can seek help here.
