What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the name of a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve. It’s the leading cause of blindness in the United States, and the chances of it developing increase with age.
There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is more common and causes gradual vision loss. Closed-angle glaucoma is more aggressive and causes faster and more severe optic nerve damage.
While there’s no cure for glaucoma, the earlier it’s caught, the less damage it can do. Southern Eye Institute recommends regular eye health exams to stop it in its tracks.
What causes glaucoma?
If the fluid pressure inside the inner eye becomes elevated, it can damage the optic nerve. This increased pressure occurs when the clear liquid inside the eye (aqueous humor) gets overproduced or doesn’t drain properly.
Scientists have found genetic traits among people that make them more prone to high eye pressure and, as a result, optic nerve damage. These genes explain why glaucoma tends to run in families.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
In the early stages, glaucoma has almost no symptoms and many people have no idea they have it until the symptoms worsen. Symptoms vary depending on the type of glaucoma you have and how advanced it is.
Symptoms of glaucoma include:
- Patchy blind spots
- Severe headaches
- Severe eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Eye redness
- Halos around lights
Glaucoma eventually causes blindness if untreated.
What is the treatment for glaucoma?
Southern Eye Institute creates an individualized treatment plan based on how far your condition progressed and the type of glaucoma you have. Your treatment may include:
Laser therapy
Laser trabeculoplasty can help treat open-angle glaucoma by reducing the pressure in the eye.
Incisional surgery
Procedures like a trabeculectomy or goniotomy involve creating a small opening in the white of the eye to access or remove part of the trabecular meshwork.
Implants/shunts
An implant, also called an aqueous shunt, drains away excess fluid to lower eye pressure.
Medication
Medications like prostaglandins and beta-blockers help lower eye pressure.
When you partner with an experienced provider like the eye doctors at Southern Eye Institute, you increase your chances of catching glaucoma in its earliest stages. To stay on top of your eye health, make an appointment today by phone or online booking.
