Glaucoma is an eye problem that can be the cause of decreased vision, optic disc damage and in serious cases, blindness. It is caused by excess eye pressure that can create headaches, pain and other symptoms. Some factors which may increase the risk of developing this problem include, age, race and corneal thickness. Diabetes, injury to the eye and low blood pressure can be taken into consideration in pre-diagnosis stages. This condition can develop in either one eye or in both eyes. If treatment is not received for this disease, it can worsen, eventually resulting in a lack of peripheral vision and eventually, a complete loss of vision.

How Glaucoma Can Be Treated

Early treatment of this condition is the best way to halt adverse effects, and taking care of your eye health is also beneficial. Regular eye exams can assist your eye doctor in early detection of the disease before it becomes a serious problem. Treatments such as injections and medication can reduce any symptoms or pain you will experience ,as well as prevent it from becoming progressively worse.

Screening/Exams

Eye examinations can be the best way to detect glaucoma. The visual field test measures the patient's level of peripheral vision. Doctors are able to examine a patient’s retina and optic nerve using the dilated eye exam which uses drops to widen the pupils. A test known as the visual acuity test allows doctors to assess a patient’s ability to see objects at varying distances. To measure the cornea, numbing eye drops are administered and an ultrasonic wave is used. Finally, pressure in the eye is measured using tonometry.

Medicine

Prescription eye drops or pills can help decrease eye pressure and fluid in the eye. Medicines are usually taken at set intervals during the day and could cause certain side effects. In the majority of cases, the medication will need to be taken for the rest of the patient’s life in order to maintain the disease.

Conventional Surgery

Often a last-resort option, conventional surgery is a procedure to remove a portion of eye tissue that can create a channel for improved fluid drainage. However, at a later time, this drainage channel may become narrower, which may result in the patient needing an additional operation. Conventional surgery can possibly cause issues such as cornea problems, inflammation and infection.

Laser Surgery

This procedure involves treating the eyes of glaucoma patients, one at a time. Laser trabeculoplasty assists the draining process through a high-intensity laser beam. Drainage holes are stretched out for enhanced drainage and to lessen pressure in the eye.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Treat or Reduce Glaucoma

To minimize the chance of contracting this eye problem, patients should not allow themselves to become overweight to reduce the chances of developing diabetes, as the risk of glaucoma is doubled for diabetics. Another recommendation is that patients should wear eye protection in order to avoid preventable eye injuries.

Although LASIK surgery is often not an option for a lot of glaucoma sufferers, a stable condition can make certain individuals eligible for the procedure. Also, there is custom laser surgery which may be available to patients suffering with this eye complaint. Consulting with a professional is the best way to determine your candidacy.