Understanding Glaucoma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Glaucoma, also referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” does not show symptoms until it is too late. Early detection is important, as treatment can slow or even prevent further damage.

When the pressure inside your eye builds up, it damages the optic nerve, leading to glaucoma. When it is damaged, vision can become blurry, and if no treatment is administered, it can lead to blindness. Glaucoma usually develops slowly, so you should go for regular eye exams to catch it early. There are different types of glaucoma, but the most common is open-angle glaucoma.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

The challenging thing about glaucoma is that it often does not show symptoms until the damage is advanced. That is why many people do not realize they have it until they have already lost some vision. However, if the disease progresses, you may experience the following symptoms:

Peripheral Vision Loss — Your side vision may start to fade, often unnoticed at first.

Tunnel Vision — As glaucoma advances, the field of vision narrows, and you may only see through a small “tunnel.”

If you are experiencing any of the above, it is important to seek medical attention quickly.

Causes and Risk Factors

Glaucoma is often caused by problems with the eye’s drainage system. When fluid does not drain from your eye properly, pressure builds up, leading to optic nerve damage. If you have any of the following risk factors, you may be at a higher risk:

• Age — People over 60 are at higher risk, especially for open-angle glaucoma.

• Family History — If a close family member has had glaucoma, you are at a higher risk.

• Ethnicity — African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics are at increased risk.

• Health Conditions — High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes can elevate your risk.

• Previous Eye Injuries — Injuries can also increase the risk of developing glaucoma.

Regular eye exams are the best way to monitor your eye health and catch problems early.

Diagnosing Glaucoma

Detecting glaucoma early is crucial to preserving vision. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch the disease early, especially since it may not show obvious symptoms at first. A comprehensive eye exam includes:

Tonometry — This test measures the pressure inside your eye, a key indicator of glaucoma.

Visual Field Test — This helps detect any loss of peripheral vision, which is a common sign of glaucoma.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be managed. Here are the main treatment options:

• Medications — Medications, including eye drops or oral treatments, either enhance fluid drainage or decrease fluid production in the eye.

• Laser Treatment — Laser therapy can help improve drainage and lower eye pressure.

• Surgery — The creation of new drainage pathways or implanting drainage devices through surgery may be necessary.

Preventing Further Damage

While glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, you can take steps to slow its progression. Following your doctor’s advice and sticking to your treatment plan is critical. It is also important to maintain regular eye exams to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment if necessary.

For more on understanding glaucoma, visit Palmetto Eye Care at our office in Columbia, South Carolina. Call (803) 732-4166 to book an appointment today.