Treatments And Symptoms Of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases in which the pressure inside the eye may or may not be elevated. If untreated, vision loss or blindness may occur.

At the front of the eye, there is a small space called the anterior chamber. Clear fluid flows in and out of the chamber to bathe and nourish nearby tissues. In glaucoma, for still unknown reasons, the fluid drains too slowly out of the eye. As the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises. Unless this pressure is controlled, it may cause damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye and loss of vision.

At first, there are no symptoms. Vision stays normal, and there is no pain. However, as the disease progresses, a person with glaucoma may notice his or her side vision gradually failing. That is, objects in front may still be seen clearly, but objects to the side may be missed. As the disease worsens, the field of vision narrows and blindness results.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, an eye disease that is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and the number one cause of blindness in Blacks. Although early treatment can substantially reduce the likelihood of severe vision loss or blindness, many people at higher risk for blindness from glaucoma are unaware of the importance of early detection, or are not having their eyes examined on a regular basis for the disease. Increased public awareness of the potential benefits of a regular, comprehensive eye examination with dilated pupils is crucial to reduce the enormous social and personal costs of open-angle glaucoma.

Although open-angle glaucoma cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled. The most common treatments are:

  • Medications - These may be either in the form of eyedrops or pills. Some drugs are designed to reduce pressure by slowing the flow of fluid into the eye. Others help to improve fluid drainage.
  • For most people with glaucoma, regular use of medications will control the increased fluid pressure. But, these drugs may stop working over time. Or, they may cause side effects.
  • If a problem occurs, the eye care professional may select other drugs, change the dose, or suggest other ways to deal with the problem.
  • Laser Surgery - During laser surgery, a strong beam of light is focused on the part of the anterior chamber where the fluid leaves the eye. This results in a series of small changes, which makes it easier for fluid to exit the eye. Over time, the effect of laser surgery may wear off. Patients who have this form of surgery may need to keep taking glaucoma drugs.
  • Surgery - Surgery can also help fluid escape from the eye and thereby reduce the pressure. However, surgery is usually reserved for patients whose pressure cannot be controlled with eyedrops, pills, or laser surgery.

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