5 Important Facts About Glaucoma Every Patient Should Know
Often called “the silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a common age-related eye condition that can lead to vision impairment or total vision loss. To protect your vision, you should learn about glaucoma and the ways you can help prevent vision loss from the condition.
Keep reading to learn 5 important facts about glaucoma every patient should know.
1. Glaucoma is a Leading Cause of Irreversible Blindness
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. It occurs when fluid in the eye does not drain properly, causing a buildup of intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve.
The optic nerve is the structure within the eye that relays visual information to the brain, creating visual perception. Damage to the optic nerve caused by elevated intraocular pressure can lead to permanent vision impairment or loss.
2. Glaucoma Often Has No Early Symptoms
One of the most challenging aspects of glaucoma is its “silent” nature. In the early stages, most types of glaucoma have no noticeable symptoms.
By the time a patient experiences changes to their vision, glaucoma may have already caused significant and irreversible damage. Regular eye exams are critical to detect the development of glaucoma early and prevent damage to the optic nerve.
3. There Are Different Types of Glaucoma
There is more than one type of glaucoma. The most commonly diagnosed types are:
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, characterized by gradual clogging of the eye’s drainage canals, leading to increased eye pressure. It develops slowly and usually without pain or immediate symptoms.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common but more severe type of glaucoma that occurs when the drainage angle of the eye suddenly becomes blocked. This type can cause rapid vision loss and is considered a medical emergency.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma causes optic nerve damage even though intraocular pressure is within the normal range. The exact cause of normal-tension glaucoma is not well understood, but it may involve poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma is caused by an underlying condition such as chronic health issues, trauma to the eye, or the use of certain medications like steroids.
4. Treatment Can Help Manage Glaucoma
While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatment options can help manage the condition to prevent further vision loss. These treatment options include:
Medicated Eye Drops
Medicated eye drops that help lower eye pressure are often the first glaucoma treatment recommended by eye doctors.
Laser Therapy
Procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treat glaucoma by improving fluid drainage and reducing eye pressure.
Surgery
If medicated eye drops and laser therapy are not enough to manage advancing glaucoma, surgical options, including trabeculectomy, canaloplasty, or tube surgery, can create new drainage pathways or reduce ocular fluid production.
5. Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams Help Catch Glaucoma Early
Because it is often asymptomatic in its early stages, the best way to diagnose glaucoma before it impairs your vision is by scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor at Berg Feinfield Vision Correction. These exams test for the signs of glaucoma and other age-related eye issues, like cataracts and macular degeneration.
It is especially important to attend eye exams if you are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma. Individuals over the age of 60 or those with a family history of glaucoma, chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, or a history of eye injuries all have a higher risk of glaucoma.
Knowing the essential facts about glaucoma is important. This includes its potential for causing irreversible vision impairment, its lack of early symptoms, the different types and available treatment options, and the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams.
Is it time for you to get a comprehensive eye exam? Schedule an appointment with Berg Feinfield Vision Correction in Burbank, CA, today!
