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Dr. Chris Jacquinot
Dr. Chris Jacquinot is an Optometrist in Pittsburg, KS and has been practicing at Wimmer Vision Care since 2007. He is originally from Parsons, Kansas and graduated from Pittsburg State University. He completed his Optometric training at the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry. During his Optometry training, Dr. Jacquinot had the opportunity to intern at several locations including Washington University, St. Louis University, the Kansas City Veterans Hospital, and the Carl Albert Indian Health facility in Ada, Oklahoma. Dr. Jacquinot is a member of the American Optometric Association, Kansas Optometric Association and is active in a number of organizations in the Pittsburg area. For more information please call Wimmer Vision Care at 620-232-1005 . |
Vision
2011-04-01 13:55:00
Explaining glaucoma…how can it affect my eyes?
Question: What is Glaucoma and how can it affect my eyes?
Answer: Glaucoma, as defined by the American Optometric Association is “a group of eye disorders leading to progressive damage of the optic nerve, and is characterized by loss of nerve tissue resulting in loss of vision”. Wow, that’s a mouthful and kind of confusing so let’s first start by breaking this definition down and making it a little more understandable.
The initial portion of the definition mentions “a group of eye disorders” – because glaucoma comes in many different types. It can be caused by anything from eye trauma to anatomical abnormalities of the eye. However the most common form of Glaucoma is called Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, and often is associated with pressure inside the eye that damages the optic nerve.
If Glaucoma causes “damage to the optic nerve” the next logical question would be “what is the optic nerve?” The optic nerve is the “cable” that connects the eye to the brain, and transmits visual signals back and forth between the two. In Glaucoma, the optic nerve is progressively damaged, and thus cannot transmit visual signals to or from the brain properly.
The “loss of vision” that most patients with Glaucoma experience is caused by the optic nerve damage. It often starts with patient’s peripheral vision – and as the condition advances, moves more central. The frightening problem with Glaucoma is that in most cases, individuals have no idea they are losing their peripheral vision. Unfortunately, trying to “self-check” your own peripheral vision is not near specific or sensitive enough to catch the vision loss from Glaucoma, unless the condition is extremely advanced.
Even though anyone can develop Glaucoma, some individuals are at a higher risk than others. Certain risk factors such as high internal eye pressure, a family history of Glaucoma, age over 60, vascular conditions such as Diabetes and Hypertension, as well as Corticosteroid use may increase chances of developing Glaucoma.
The treatment for Glaucoma is aimed at reducing the pressure inside of the eye. The most common first line treatment of Glaucoma is usually prescription eye drops taken daily. However, in some cases systemic medications, laser treatment, or other surgery may be required.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States, and in most cases develops slowly and with no symptoms. It cannot currently be prevented, but with yearly eye examinations it can be diagnosed and controlled without serious vision loss.
