Treatments

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the nerve that transmits information from your eye to your brain. Optic nerve damage can lead to vision loss and blindness. There are several different types of glaucoma, but the most common type is primary open-angle glaucoma.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by a buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye. This pressure can damage the optic nerve. The exact cause of the fluid buildup is not always known, but it can be caused by a blockage in the drainage channels of the eye.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

• Age: People over 60 are at higher risk for glaucoma.
• Race: African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk for glaucoma.
• Family history: Having a family member with glaucoma increases your risk.
• High eye pressure: This is the main risk factor for glaucoma, but not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase your risk for glaucoma.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase your risk for glaucoma.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms in its early stages. In fact, some people with glaucoma may not notice any vision loss until the disease is advanced. This is why it is so important to have regular eye exams.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma can develop suddenly and include:

• Severe eye pain
• Sudden vision loss
• Redness in the eye
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seeing halos around lights

Treatment of Glaucoma

There is no cure for glaucoma, but there are treatments that can help lower eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment for glaucoma may include:

• Eyedrops: These are the most common treatment for glaucoma. There are several different types of eyedrops available, and your doctor will determine which type is right for you.
• Laser surgery: Laser surgery can be used to create new drainage channels in the eye or to widen existing ones. This can help to lower eye pressure.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat glaucoma.

Complications of Glaucoma

If glaucoma is not treated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness.

Prevention of Glaucoma

There is no way to prevent glaucoma, but there are things you can do to help lower your risk, such as:

• Having regular eye exams
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Reducing your stress levels