Glaucoma can seem scary at first. This common eye disease damages the optic nerve over time, leading to vision loss and blindness if left unchecked. The good news is getting treated early and consistently can preserve your vision. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions about glaucoma treatment at M-Eye Vision in Katy.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is caused by a buildup of eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure. This added pressure damages the optic nerve in the back of the eye, disrupting normal vision. There are two main types: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma.
How is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will check your intraocular pressure and optic nerve health to screen for glaucoma. Other diagnostic tests may include pachymetry, gonioscopy, imaging scans, and visual field testing. These help confirm glaucoma and monitor its progression.
What Glaucoma Treatments Are Available?
Glaucoma treatment aims to lower eye pressure with prescription medication, laser procedures, microsurgery, or often a combination of these approaches:
• Eye drops like beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, alpha agonists, prostaglandins, and cholinergics help decrease fluid production and increase drainage.
• Laser therapy like selective laser trabeculoplasty targets drainage channels. Laser peripheral iridotomy alleviates angle-closure glaucoma.
• Microsurgeries called trabeculectomy and drainage implants provide alternate drainage pathways.
Treatment is tailored to your specific case to most effectively protect vision with minimal side effects.
How Can I Help Manage Glaucoma?
Consistency and persistence are key in glaucoma management. Be diligent about using your eye drops as prescribed. Attend all appointments to monitor eye pressure and nerve changes. Follow your optometrist's recommendations for timing of future tests, imaging, and procedures. Maintaining target eye pressure is crucial to prevent vision loss.
What is Follow-up Like for Glaucoma?
Expect close, lifelong follow-up care if you have glaucoma. You'll need comprehensive eye exams with your optometrist every 6 to 12 months to monitor your condition and make any needed treatment adjustments. Ongoing consistency with your customized therapy is important for protecting your eyesight.
Schedule an Appointment With an Eye Doctor Near You
If you are over age 60, have a family history of glaucoma, or notice vision changes, make an appointment with M-Eye Vision in Katy, TX. Detecting and treating glaucoma early is the best way to secure your vision health for years to come. Contact us today to schedule your glaucoma evaluation.