Glaucoma is a disease caused by the increased pressure in your eye, it can damage your retina and optic nerve. Glaucoma usually has no symptoms until your vision is affected or you have severe vision loss. Glaucoma can be treated when caught at an early stage.
A ophthalmologist can determine if you have Glaucoma during a routine check-up, most of them will recommend that you get regular eye tests. Treatment for Glaucoma depends on severity of your Glaucoma, there are many different treatments available such as:
– Medications: Oral medications include anti-glaucoma drugs (i.e., beta blockers) to lower the pressures around the clock. Glaucoma eyedrops, if you have only mild Glaucoma.
– Laser: Over time laser surgery can be used to slow down the Glaucoma progression.
– Surgery: If Glaucoma is still progressing despite using treatments a Glaucomatous procedure may be performed to restore vision that has been lost due to high Glaucoma pressures. The goal of Glaucomatous surgery is preservation of sight, but it does not stop Glaucoma from getting worse in the future
If you are becoming more and more blind because your Glaucoma is not treated early enough, then ask for an eye exam with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Glaucoma develops slowly, and can take a long time to worsen; Glaucoma will not go away on its own either. Glaucoma is treatable if found early enough; however treatment may cost more than the Glaucoma itself.
