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Glaucoma
Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is sensitive
to the pressure inside the eye and becomes damaged
with time. The optic nerve is what carries information
from the eyes to the brain. Typically, patients
lose their peripheral vision first and their central
vision last resulting in complete blindness. Since
glaucoma is a silent condition, annual screening
of high-risk individuals is very important. Individuals
with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics,
African-American over age 55, and Hispanic-Americans
over age 65 must be checked for glaucoma annually.
Since vision that is lost cannot be restored,
your ophthalmologist will guide your treatment
to limit future loss of vision.
What is your part in treatment?
Treatment for glaucoma requires teamwork between
you and your doctor. Your ophthalmologist can
prescribe treatment for glaucoma, but only you
can make sure that you follow your doctor's instructions
and take your eyedrops. Once you are taking medications
for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will want to
see you more frequently. Typically, you can expect
to visit your ophthalmologist every three to four
months. This will vary depending on your treatment
needs.
Medications
Glaucoma is usually controlled with eyedrops taken
daily. These medications lower eye pressure, either
by decreasing the amount of aqueous fluid produced
within the eye or by improving the flow through
the drainage angle. Never change or stop taking
your medications without consulting your ophthalmologist.
If you are about to run out of your medication,
ask your ophthalmologist if you should have your
prescription refilled. Glaucoma medications can
preserve your vision, but they also may produce
side effects. You should notify your ophthalmologist
if you think you may be experiencing side effects.
Laser Surgery
Laser surgery treatments may be recommended for
different types of glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma,
the drain itself is treated. The laser is used
to modify the drain (trabeculoplasty) to help
control eye pressure. |
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