How is Glaucoma Treated?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. It's often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it typically develops slowly without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Understanding how glaucoma develops, its symptoms, and treatment options is crucial to preserving your vision. At SpecTakular Boutique, we emphasize the importance of early detection and ongoing care to manage this condition effectively.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the crucial part of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain. The most common cause of glaucoma is an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which can occur when the fluid in the eye (aqueous humor) doesn’t drain properly. Over time, the elevated pressure damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. There are different types of glaucoma, with open-angle glaucoma being the most common, while angle-closure glaucoma is rarer but can develop suddenly and be more severe.
 

How Does Glaucoma Develop?

In most cases, glaucoma develops slowly and without pain, making it difficult to notice any changes in vision at first. The condition primarily occurs due to an imbalance between the production and drainage of aqueous humor, which causes increased pressure inside the eye. As the pressure builds, it gradually damages the optic nerve, impairing your ability to see clearly. Over time, untreated glaucoma can lead to peripheral vision loss and, eventually, total blindness.
 

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Early-stage glaucoma often presents no noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s so important to undergo regular eye exams. As the condition progresses, you may experience:
 

• Loss of peripheral vision
   

• Blurred vision
   

• Halos around lights
   

• Eye pain or pressure
   

• Redness in the eye
   

How is Glaucoma Treated?

While there is no cure for glaucoma, treatments are available to slow or halt its progression and preserve vision. The treatment plan typically depends on the type and severity of the glaucoma:
 

• Medicated Eye Drops: The most common form of treatment involves prescription eye drops that help lower intraocular pressure by either reducing the production of fluid or improving fluid drainage.
   

• Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed alongside eye drops to further lower eye pressure.
   

• Laser Therapy: Laser treatments such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy can help improve fluid drainage and lower pressure.
   

• Surgery: If medications and laser therapy are ineffective, surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy or glaucoma drainage implants may be recommended to create a new pathway for fluid drainage or reduce eye pressure.
   

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Early Detection

Since glaucoma often develops without symptoms, early detection is key to preventing significant vision loss. At SpecTakular Boutique, we offer comprehensive eye exams to identify glaucoma and other eye conditions before they cause irreparable damage.
Our state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment allows us to measure your eye pressure, evaluate the health of your optic nerve, and monitor for early signs of glaucoma.
 

Regular eye exams are especially important if you are at higher risk for glaucoma, such as if you have a family history of the condition, are over the age of 60, are of African descent, or have other risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.
 

Book Your Eye Exam with SpecTakular Boutique Today

Glaucoma is a serious condition that requires ongoing management to prevent vision loss. The key to protecting your vision is early detection through regular eye exams and proper treatment. At SpecTakular Boutique, we’re committed to providing personalized care to help you maintain healthy vision. 
 

Don’t wait until symptoms of glaucoma appear, schedule your eye exam with SpecTakular Boutique and take a proactive step toward safeguarding your sight. Contact our office in Dawsonville, Georgia, by calling (706) 216-7732 to book an appointment today.