Did you know that the primary cause of vision loss around the world is glaucoma? It happens when the optic nerve, which is essential for vision, gets damaged. There is currently no cure for glaucoma, though modern treatments can help control it and stop it from getting worse.

The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. It develops slowly and without pain, but if you ignore it and fail to seek treatment, it leads to permanent vision loss.

In some cases, angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly and cause intense symptoms, including severe eye pain and blurred vision. Regardless of the type, glaucoma always has an aspect of increased pressure inside the eye. This increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is what leads to optic nerve damage.
 

Can Glaucoma Be Cured?

There is currently no cure for glaucoma. However, it is possible to manage it. This depends on how early you catch the disease. Once the optic nerve is damaged, it cannot heal, which is why regular eye exams are essential for those at risk.
 

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

·      Medications

When it comes to treating this condition, eye drops are usually the first go-to option. These drops help to lower the pressure inside the eye. They come in many different types, with each working in its own way. Some drops reduce the fluid the eye makes, while others help drain it away.

When these drops fail to do the job, your doctor might suggest you start using oral medications as well. These pills help lower eye pressure, too, and they work best when combined with the drops.

·      Laser Treatment

If eye drops or pills are not cutting it, laser treatment could be the next step. For open-angle glaucoma, doctors often use a procedure called laser trabeculoplasty. This procedure helps your eye drain fluid more effectively, reducing pressure.

For another type of glaucoma, called angle-closure glaucoma, a procedure called laser iridotomy is used. It creates a small hole in the iris to help improve fluid drainage. Laser treatments are generally safe, and they are a good option when other treatments are not enough.

·      Surgery

Surgery is one of the last options when it comes to treating glaucoma. The goal of the procedure is to create new drainage channels or improve the ones that already exist, which helps reduce pressure in the eye.

One common procedure is trabeculectomy. Here, the surgeon removes a small piece of tissue in order to create a new drainage path.

Another option is tube shunt surgery, where a tiny tube is placed in the eye to help drain the fluid.
 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Since glaucoma often has no early symptoms, regular eye exams are necessary for early detection. Eye pressure checks are part of routine eye exams, especially for those over 40 or those with a family history of glaucoma. The eye doctor measures the pressure inside the eye and checks the optic nerve for signs of damage.

If glaucoma is detected early, treatments can begin promptly. This can go a long way in trying to preserve vision and prevent further damage. It is important not to wait until symptoms appear, as vision loss from glaucoma is usually irreversible.

For more on glaucoma, visit Eyes on Butterfield. Our office is in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. To book an appointment, call (630) 519-6060 today.