Glaucoma

The Hamilton Glaucoma Center at the UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute (SEI) is a world-renowned glaucoma research center. Research to better determine the cause(s) of glaucoma is an important goal of the Center in the Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology. Developing new diagnostic tests, medical treatments and surgeries, improving them and then translating them into clinical practice are the highest priorities.

Glaucoma can cause blindness and is the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness. A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve can result in loss of vision and blindness. More than 4 million Americans have glaucoma, and at least one-half of these individuals do not even know it. Glaucoma also is the second leading cause of blindness in the US and is the single most common cause of blindness among African Americans.

One may not notice any loss of vision until glaucoma is at an advanced stage. The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, has no noticeable signs or symptoms except gradual vision loss. With early detection and treatment, however, serious vision loss often can be prevented.

In order to minimize or prevent optic nerve damage and limit glaucoma-related vision loss, it is important to have regular eye examinations.  During the examination, a number of tests are performed including the measurement of the eye (intraocular) pressure and an evaluation of the optic nerve.

Although there is no cure, loss of vision can be slowed or halted with medical and/or surgical treatment. The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get tested. Early diagnosis and early detection of disease worsening, along with appropriate treatment, are the keys to preserving vision.

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