About half of people with glaucoma are unaware they have the condition. Anyone can develop this eye condition, but specific individuals are at higher risk. These include those over age 60, African Americans over 40, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of glaucoma. Fortunately, you can take several steps to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs due to a damaged optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated.

Types of Glaucoma 

There are different types of glaucoma. These include the following:

·      Open-angle.

·      Normal tension.

·      Angle-closure.

The most common type is open-angle glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage channels clog up, causing an increase in intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the drainage channels, leading to a sudden rise in IOP. Normal-tension glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that occurs even when the IOP is within a normal range.

Warning Signs

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can affect the optic nerve. The early stages of glaucoma often have no symptoms, so it is essential to get regular eye exams to detect the condition early. It is important to be aware of the warning signs and to seek medical attention if you experience any of them. Here are ten warning signs of glaucoma:

·      Gradual loss of peripheral vision.

·      Seeing halos around lights.

·      Blurred vision.

·      Eye pain.

·      Red eyes.

·      Headaches, especially those that are recurrent or severe.

·      Nausea or vomiting, especially when intraocular pressure is high.

·      Sudden vision loss, especially in one eye.

·      Seeing double.

·      Difficulty adapting to low light conditions, such as when entering a dark room.

If you experience any warning signs, it is best to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma can help prevent vision loss and preserve your eyesight.

How to Protect Your Vision

Medications for glaucoma include eye drops that help reduce IOP by decreasing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or increasing fluid drainage from the eye. Laser procedures, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty and laser-assisted trabeculoplasty, use lasers to improve fluid drainage. 

Surgical options include trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage channel in the eye to allow excess fluid to drain out. Finally, glaucoma drainage implants inserted into the eye can help drain excess fluid.

Conclusion

It is best to take steps to protect your eyesight and prevent glaucoma. These include getting regular eye exams, wearing sunglasses and a hat to protect your eyes from the sun, and managing any medical conditions that may increase your risk for glaucoma.

Following your eye doctor's treatment plan is essential if you have glaucoma. You should take your medications as directed to help preserve your vision.
 

For more on glaucoma, visit Vision One Eyecare Center at our Fort Mitchell or Dry Ridge, Kentucky office. Call (859) 267-1700 or (859) 407-7400 to schedule an appointment today.