Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. Unfortunately, this damage cannot be undone because it frequently results from abnormally high pressure in your eye. But if glaucoma is detected early, treatment can help slow or prevent the progression of vision loss.
 

What is glaucoma? Understanding the Eye Condition

Glaucoma is often known as the 'silent thief of sight' because it's a condition that gradually steals your vision without you even realizing it. In the early stages, there may not be any symptoms. As the disease progresses, you may slowly lose your peripheral vision.

Glaucoma results from an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. This fluid, called aqueous humor, helps to maintain the shape of the eye and nourish the tissues inside it. When this fluid doesn't drain properly, it leads to a buildup, causing pressure inside the eye to increase, which can subsequently damage the optic nerve.

 

Early Symptoms of Glaucoma

In its early stages, glaucoma usually has no symptoms, which is what makes it so dangerous. Most individuals who have glaucoma are not aware of it. As the disease progresses, symptoms may slowly start appearing.

Symptoms can differ depending on the type and stage of your condition. For example, in the early stages of primary open-angle glaucoma, there are typically no warning signs or obvious symptoms. As the disease progresses, a person with open-angle glaucoma may notice their side vision gradually decreasing.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is a medical emergency, includes symptoms like severe headache, eye pain, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, halos around lights, and sudden sight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Early Detection

Because glaucoma can progress without your noticing, regular eye exams are essential for early detection. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam every five to ten years if you're under 40 years old; every two to four years if you're 40 to 54 years old; every one to three years if you're 55 to 64 years old; and every one to two years if you're older than 65.

During these exams, your optometrist will measure your intraocular pressure, inspect your eye's drainage angle, examine your optic nerve for damage, test your peripheral vision, and take a picture or computer measurement of your optic nerve. If these tests show high eye pressure or optic nerve damage, you'll need more tests. These could include using a special lens to look at your eye, a visual field test, or imaging tests of the optic nerve.

By undergoing regular eye exams, you can detect glaucoma in its early stages and start treatment before the disease progresses and causes significant vision loss.

Early Treatment Options for Glaucoma

The main goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower pressure in the eye. Treatment can involve self-care measures, drugs, or surgery.

Eye drops are often the first choice for treating patients. You may need to try several types of drops to see which works best for you. Surgery is another option if medication and lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your eye pressure. There are several types of surgery for glaucoma, and all aim to reduce the pressure in your eye.

Laser surgery, for instance, can help increase the flow of fluid from the eye or eliminate fluid blockages, such as laser trabeculoplasty, iridotomy, or cyclophotocoagulation. On the other hand, if conventional surgery and laser surgery aren't effective in controlling eye pressure, you may need a trabeculectomy.


 

Lifestyle Changes in Glaucoma Management

Lifestyle modifications can assist in managing glaucoma, although they should not replace standard treatments. Such modifications should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Regular exercise may reduce eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma. Choose moderate exercise, like walking or swimming, that you can do safely and regularly, and discuss this with your doctor. A healthy diet can also help. Some studies suggest that a high intake of dietary nitrate and green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of glaucoma.

It's also essential to limit your caffeine intake because excessive amounts can increase your eye pressure. Another crucial lifestyle change involves the use of prescribed eye drops. Make sure to use them correctly and regularly, as prescribed.

 

Safeguarding Your Eyesight

Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that can lead to irreversible blindness. Although it can't be cured, its progression can be slowed down with early detection and treatment. This is why regular eye exams are of utmost importance, especially if you're over 40 or have a family history of the disease. With early detection and treatment, most individuals with glaucoma will not lose their sight.

To learn more about the symptoms and early treatment for glaucoma, visit Great Lakes Vision Care in our Monroe, Michigan, office. Call (734) 212-5157 to book an appointment today.