Understanding Glaucoma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition often caused by abnormally high intraocular pressure—the pressure inside your eye. This increased pressure is due to fluid buildup, which can damage the optic nerve and lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated.
Why Early Detection is Crucial
Glaucoma typically develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Vision changes often only appear once the disease has progressed significantly. That’s why regular comprehensive eye exams starting at age 40 (or earlier for higher-risk groups) are vital to detect glaucoma before vision is affected.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, early diagnosis enables effective treatment to slow disease progression and protect your vision. Treatment may include:
Medicated Eye Drops
Eye drops help lower intraocular pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. It’s important to use these medications exactly as prescribed by your eye doctor for maximum effectiveness.
Laser Surgery (Laser Trabeculoplasty)
This outpatient procedure opens clogged drainage canals in the eye to improve fluid outflow and reduce pressure.
Filtering Surgery (Trabeculectomy)
A small piece of eye tissue is removed to create a new drainage pathway, allowing excess fluid to exit the eye more efficiently.
Drainage Implants (e.g., iStent)
A tiny tube is implanted in the eye to facilitate fluid drainage and relieve pressure.
When to Seek Immediate Care
If you experience sudden blurry vision accompanied by severe eye pain, nausea, headaches, eye redness, or halos around lights, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is vision-threatening and requires urgent treatment.
Schedule Your Eye Exam Today
If you notice any changes in your vision or have risk factors for glaucoma, contact us to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to protect your eyesight from glaucoma-related damage.
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