You’ve likely heard of glaucoma, but you might not have heard about some of the symptoms to determine if you could be dealing with this serious eye condition. Read on to learn a bit more about signs you may be developing glaucoma and what you can do before potential eye damage is done.
Glaucoma is technically a number of different eye problems that primarily cause damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve as you might expect is vital for good vision. Glaucoma is synonymous with high eye pressure. Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness.
Vision loss associated with glaucoma can be extremely gradual, which is why it’s critical to have routine eye exams to measure eye pressure to ensure a diagnosis can be made during the early stages. Glaucoma if caught early can be treated and managed over a long period of time.
The signs of glaucoma differ based on the different types listed below. There are two main types of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma as well as acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for glaucoma. The only treatments are ones that lower the intraocular pressure, which can be accomplished using medication, surgery or laser. Most often treatment for glaucoma will need to be completed for life.
Eye drops are often prescribed for glaucoma treatment. Some treatments only have to be used once per day, while other types of eye drops require individuals to use them two to three times each day.
The laser has been another effective treatment option for glaucoma patients. The laser treatment consists of a simple procedure that helps to control eye pressure for up to 5 years.
Surgery is typically a last resort and is designated for patients with very advanced cases of glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist can help you to determine the best course of treatment based on the progression of the condition as well as other factors such as your age and lifestyle.
The key takeaway from this blog should be that while glaucoma is a serious eye condition, it’s not something that cannot be treated. In fact, if caught early enough, glaucoma can be managed effectively for many years. If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, don’t be immediately discouraged. Instead consult with our team of ophthalmologists to come up with a treatment plan that will help to slow any eye damage and help you to live as normal a life as possible. If you have questions about glaucoma treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here at Palmetto Eye & Laser Center. We can be reached by phone at 864-583-6381.
