Glaucoma: Causes and Treatment Options

Glaucoma: Causes and Treatment Options

Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it can gradually cause vision loss without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, understanding glaucoma is essential for preserving eye health.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not a single eye disease but a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from your eye to your brain. If untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma, where pressure in the eye gradually increases, damaging the optic nerve. Another form, angle-closure glaucoma, is less common but more urgent and can cause a sudden, painful increase in eye pressure.

Causes of Glaucoma

The primary cause of glaucoma is increased pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure builds up when the eye's drainage system (the trabecular meshwork) becomes blocked or doesn't function correctly, causing fluid (aqueous humor) to accumulate.

However, glaucoma can also occur in people with normal eye pressure, often due to poor blood flow to the optic nerve or other unknown factors. Risk factors that can contribute to glaucoma include:

•          Age: The risk of developing glaucoma increases after age 60.

•          Family history: Glaucoma tends to run in families.

•          Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at a higher risk.

•          Medical conditions: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease increase the risk.

•          Eye injuries: Previous eye injuries can lead to secondary glaucoma.

•          Prolonged use of corticosteroids: Medications such as eye drops, oral steroids, or inhalers can elevate eye pressure.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

While there is no cure for glaucoma, several treatment options can effectively manage the disease and prevent further damage.

1. Medicated Eye Drops

Prescription eye drops are often the first line of defense. They work by either reducing the production of fluid in the eye or improving its drainage, lowering intraocular pressure. It is essential to use these drops as prescribed to keep the disease in check.

2. Oral Medications

In some cases, oral medications may be used to complement eye drops. These medications help reduce eye pressure but may come with side effects that need to be monitored.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser treatment is another option to improve fluid drainage from the eye. Laser trabeculoplasty is commonly used for open-angle glaucoma to enhance the trabecular meshwork’s drainage capacity. For angle-closure glaucoma, laser iridotomy creates a small opening in the iris to allow fluid to flow more freely.

4. Surgical Procedures

When medications and laser treatments are not sufficient to control eye pressure, surgical interventions may be required. Trabeculectomy is a common surgical procedure where a small flap is created in the eye’s drainage system to help reduce pressure. Other surgeries include shunt procedures to insert small devices that aid in fluid drainage.

Why Regular Eye Exams are Crucial

Because glaucoma often has no early warning signs, regular eye exams are the most important step in early detection. At Simply Eyes Optometry, we use advanced technology, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field testing, to detect glaucoma before it causes significant vision loss. By scheduling routine comprehensive eye exams, especially if you have risk factors for glaucoma, you can protect your vision and maintain eye health.

Schedule Your Eye Exam with Simply Eyes Optometry Today

Glaucoma is a serious condition, but with the right care and early intervention, you can manage the disease and prevent severe vision loss. Whether you're at risk or just want to maintain healthy eyes, Simply Eyes Optometry is here to provide expert guidance and treatment options tailored to your needs.

Don’t wait until symptoms of glaucoma to appear, schedule your eye exam with Simply Eyes Optometry to safeguard your sight today. Contact our office in Tulare, California, by calling (559) 354-7300 to book an appointment.