See Glaucoma

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-American 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.

What is your part in treatment?

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.

Medications
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
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.