Symptoms and Treatment of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. This eye disease causes gradual loss of vision by an increase in intraocular pressure that overstresses the optic nerve. This eye condition also causes painless loss of peripheral vision, which is often hard to diagnose, and eventually leads to complete blindness if left untreated. There are several treatments for this condition including eye drops, laser surgery, or transplanting cells to create new blood vessels. However, it remains a very prevalent eye condition among the American population.

The treatment for glaucoma in Maitland has become a lot easier with the practice of leading optometrists in the city. However, the earlier you diagnose the condition, the better. To diagnose glaucoma at its early stages and easily recover from the condition, it is essential to know the common symptoms and treatment options available for glaucoma in Maitland.

So, here is a complete guide to glaucoma, its symptoms, and treatment.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that usually develops over time, which means it is incurable. This eye disease is caused by increased pressure against the eye, which can be caused by either a build-up of fluid or damage to the optic nerve. The most common form of the disease affects both eyes. There are different types of glaucoma, depending on how it develops in the individual, but they all cause a progressive loss in vision and eventually blindness if not treated. Glaucoma affects three million Americans and half a million Canadians. It primarily attacks people over the age of 40 and African-Americans.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive, irreversible eye disease that can cause permanent damage to your sight if left untreated. Its main symptom is gradual and painless loss of vision. The major risk factors for glaucoma are age and family history. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light, fatigue, and nausea. If you suspect you have glaucoma, it’s important to see an eye doctor as soon as possible to be diagnosed and treated.

Treatment of Glaucoma

Treatment of glaucoma is accomplished with eye drops or oral medication. Eye drops may be taken as needed, but oral medicines are usually taken once a day. The eye drop medications most often prescribed are Acetazolamide, Brimonidine, Diamox, Pilocarpine, Timolol Maleate and Travoprost. 

Other treatment options include laser therapy, eye shunts, trabeculectomy, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.