Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight without warning and often without symptoms. Vision loss is caused by fluid buildup in the eye that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma is usually accompanied by high inner eye(intraocular) pressure (IOP).

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. It’s called the “sneak thief of site” because it often has no symptoms until permanent vision loss has occurred. Early detection and treatment can help minimize vision loss.

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of the disease, affecting about three million Americans. It occurs when the eye’s drainage canals become clogged. Intraocular pressure rises because fluid can’t drain properly. This type of glaucoma develops slowly and sometimes without noticeable sight loss for many years. It usually responds well to medication, especially if caught early and treated.

Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Anyone at any age can get glaucoma. It’s estimated that three million Americans have glaucoma but only half of those know they have it. It is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and the first leading cause of preventable blindness.

The most common type of glaucoma usually appears in middle age. It often runs in families. Glaucoma can also occur as the result of an eye injury, inflammation, a tumor or diabetes. Certain drugs, such as steroids, can cause glaucoma. Those who are severely nearsighted are also at a greater risk of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma is especially prevalent in African-Americans.

How can glaucoma be treated?
There is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be treated with medication, surgery and lasers that reduce eye pressure by improving the flow of fluid out of the eye or decreasing the amount of fluid entering the eye. The objective of treatment is to lower intraocular pressure.

When medication and laser surgery fail to control progression of glaucoma, a procedure known as filtration surgery can be used to create an artificial outlet for fluid from the eye.

Early diagnosis is the key to effective treatment of glaucoma. The doctors at Regional Eye Center have helped thousands of patients with glaucoma.

To make an appointment with one of our glaucoma specialists, call 417-781-3630.