Glaucoma is a condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about glaucoma. We will cover the causes, symptoms, risks, and treatments for this condition. If you are concerned that you or a loved one may have glaucoma, please consult with a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for preserving vision in patients with glaucoma.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying visual information from your eye to your brain. If the optic nerve is damaged, it can lead to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

Are there different types of glaucoma?

There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. It develops slowly and painlessly over time. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but more serious. It occurs when the drainage angle in your eye becomes blocked, causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. This can lead to severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical help immediately as angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

There are several risk factors for glaucoma, including:

• Age – Glaucoma is most common in adults over the age of 60.
• Family history – If your parents or grandparents have glaucoma, you are at increased risk for developing the condition.
• Race – African Americans and Hispanics are at greater risk for developing glaucoma than Caucasians.
• Myopia – People with myopia (nearsightedness) are at increased risk for developing glaucoma.
• Hypertension – High blood pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma.
• Diabetes – People with diabetes are at increased risk for developing glaucoma.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma typically does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, you may start to experience symptoms such as:

• Loss of peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Halos around lights

If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult with a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for preserving vision in patients with glaucoma.

Is glaucoma treatable?

Yes, glaucoma is treatable. However, there is no cure for the disease. Treatment focuses on slowing the progression of the disease and preserving vision. Common treatments for glaucoma include:

• Medications – There are several types of medications that can be used to treat glaucoma. These include eye drops, pills, and injections.
• Surgery – If medications are not effective in controlling intraocular pressure, surgery may be necessary. There are several types of surgical procedures that can be used to treat glaucoma. Your doctor will recommend the best procedure for you based on your individual situation.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, it is important to follow your treatment plan as directed by your doctor. This will help to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your vision.

Contact one of our vision specialists at Johns Creek Eyecare for more information on glaucoma and our advanced treatment options!