|
 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-Americans 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.
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. 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 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. In severe cases, glaucoma
incisional surgery may become necessary.
See
Laser Trabeculoplasty
See
Trabeculectomy
See Valve
Implant
|
