Glaucoma is an eye condition that may result in decreased vision, optic disc damage and in serious cases, blindness. It involves high pressure in the eye that can also lead to problems such as headaches and pain in the eyes. Risk factors include genetics, age, race and corneal thickness. Indicators of this disease include diabetes, low blood pressure and eye injury. These are also taken into consideration during investigations. This condition can develop in either one eye or in both eyes. If treatment is not received for this disease, it it will probably lead to a lack of peripheral vision and eventually, a complete loss of vision.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Early treatment of this condition is the best way to limit or even eliminate its effects, and committing yourself to take care of your eyes is also helpful. Making regular appointments with your eye hospital can make it easier for your doctor to detect signs of the disease before it becomes a serious problem. Medication will relieve glaucoma related pain or symptoms ,as well as prevent it from becoming progressively worse.
Screening and Exams for Glaucoma
Eye examinations can be the best method for identifying glaucoma. Peripheral vision is measured using the visual field test. A dilated eye exam involves the use of eye drops to widen the pupils, so that a doctor can examine the retina and optic nerve. To test a patient's ability to see objects at different distances, doctors employ the visual acuity test. Ultrasonic waves can be used with eye drops, which numb the eye area to provide an accurate measurement of the cornea. Doctors can also measure pressure, which is built up in a patient's eye using tonometry.
Medication Can Help Glaucoma
Your eye doctor can prescribe medicines or eye drops which often help to moderate excess pressure in the eye and cut down the amount of fluid in the eye. Medication is normally taken several times a day and can cause certain side effects. In many cases, medications must be used for the patient's lifetime to restrict the progress of the disease.
Conventional Surgery
Considered by many to be a last resort option, conventional surgery involves the removal of a small piece of eye tissue which enables fluid drainage as this creates a channel for the fluid to drain. However, at a later time, this drainage channel may become narrower, which requires further surgery. This type of surgery could lead to problems with the cornea, inflammation and an increased risk of infection.
Laser Eye Surgery to Treat Glaucoma
A laser surgery procedure can be performed on glaucoma patients, one eye at a time. Laser trabeculoplasty assists draining in the eye through the use of a high-intensity laser beam. This stretches the drainage holes to enable enhanced drainage and to relieve overall pressure in the eye.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Treat or Reduce Glaucoma
To minimize the chance of getting this eye disease, it is recommended that patients learn to control their weight in order to reduce the chances of developing diabetes, as the risk of glaucoma is doubled for diabetics. It is also suggested that patients wear eye protection to eliminate the risk of preventable eye injuries.
Although LASIK surgery is not always appropriate for most patients with glaucoma, some patients who do have a stable condition could be eligible for the procedure. Also, there is custom laser surgery which may be available to patients suffering with this eye condition. Consulting with a professional is the best way to determine your candidacy.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Early treatment of this condition is the best way to limit or even eliminate its effects, and committing yourself to take care of your eyes is also helpful. Making regular appointments with your eye hospital can make it easier for your doctor to detect signs of the disease before it becomes a serious problem. Medication will relieve glaucoma related pain or symptoms ,as well as prevent it from becoming progressively worse.
Screening and Exams for Glaucoma
Eye examinations can be the best method for identifying glaucoma. Peripheral vision is measured using the visual field test. A dilated eye exam involves the use of eye drops to widen the pupils, so that a doctor can examine the retina and optic nerve. To test a patient's ability to see objects at different distances, doctors employ the visual acuity test. Ultrasonic waves can be used with eye drops, which numb the eye area to provide an accurate measurement of the cornea. Doctors can also measure pressure, which is built up in a patient's eye using tonometry.
Medication Can Help Glaucoma
Your eye doctor can prescribe medicines or eye drops which often help to moderate excess pressure in the eye and cut down the amount of fluid in the eye. Medication is normally taken several times a day and can cause certain side effects. In many cases, medications must be used for the patient's lifetime to restrict the progress of the disease.
Conventional Surgery
Considered by many to be a last resort option, conventional surgery involves the removal of a small piece of eye tissue which enables fluid drainage as this creates a channel for the fluid to drain. However, at a later time, this drainage channel may become narrower, which requires further surgery. This type of surgery could lead to problems with the cornea, inflammation and an increased risk of infection.
Laser Eye Surgery to Treat Glaucoma
A laser surgery procedure can be performed on glaucoma patients, one eye at a time. Laser trabeculoplasty assists draining in the eye through the use of a high-intensity laser beam. This stretches the drainage holes to enable enhanced drainage and to relieve overall pressure in the eye.
Lifestyle Changes to Help Treat or Reduce Glaucoma
To minimize the chance of getting this eye disease, it is recommended that patients learn to control their weight in order to reduce the chances of developing diabetes, as the risk of glaucoma is doubled for diabetics. It is also suggested that patients wear eye protection to eliminate the risk of preventable eye injuries.
Although LASIK surgery is not always appropriate for most patients with glaucoma, some patients who do have a stable condition could be eligible for the procedure. Also, there is custom laser surgery which may be available to patients suffering with this eye condition. Consulting with a professional is the best way to determine your candidacy.