What Is Glaucoma? Treatment Options for Glaucoma
A glaucoma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but with early detection and proper treatment, most people can successfully manage the disease and maintain their vision.
Risk Factors
You may be at increased risk for glaucoma if you have:
- A family history of glaucoma
- African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry
- Diabetes
- Elevated eye pressure
- Significant nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Long-term use of steroid medications
- A history of eye injury or trauma
- Age 65 or older
Individuals with one or more of these risk factors should have routine comprehensive dilated eye examinations, as recommended by their eye care professional. Detecting the disease early provides the greatest opportunity to preserve vision and maintain long-term eye health.
Early Detection Is Essential
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually develops without pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Many people are unaware they have the disease until permanent vision loss has already occurred.
The good news is that early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. While damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment can slow or prevent further progression. Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgical procedures to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.
There are many steps you can take to help protect your eyes and lower your risk of vision loss from glaucoma.
- If you are in a high-risk group, get a comprehensive dilated eye exam to catch glaucoma early and start treatment. Prescription eye drops can stop glaucoma from progressing.
- Even if you are not in a high-risk group, getting a comprehensive dilated eye exam by the age of 40 can help catch glaucoma and other eye diseases early.
- Open-angle glaucoma does not have symptoms and is hereditary, so talk to your family members about their vision health to help protect your eyes and theirs.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active and avoiding smoking will help you avoid vision loss from glaucoma.
Risk Factors
After Diagnosis
Follow your treatment plan. Use prescribed eye drops or medications exactly as directed. If surgery or laser treatment is recommended, discuss the benefits and risks with your ophthalmologist.
Keep regular eye appointments. Routine follow-up visits are essential to monitor your eye pressure, assess the health of your optic nerve, and make adjustments to your treatment if needed.
Take medications consistently. Skipping doses can allow eye pressure to rise, increasing the risk of permanent vision loss. If you experience side effects or have difficulty using your eye drops, let your doctor know—alternative treatments may be available.
Protect your overall health. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, managing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and avoiding smoking. While these steps cannot cure glaucoma, they support overall eye health.
Know the warning signs. Most forms of glaucoma progress without symptoms, but sudden eye pain, severe headache, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea, or vomiting may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma, which requires immediate medical attention.
Stay informed. Learning about glaucoma and working closely with your eye care team can help you take an active role in protecting your vision.
As with any medication or treatment, it is important that you work with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you, making sure they are aware of any medications you may currently be taking, including over the counter pills and vitamins. Treatments can include eye drops, or in some cases oral medications may also be prescribed. If this combination does not achieve the desired results of lowered intraocular pressure, or there are intolerable side effects, a surgical procedure may be the next best option.