Glaucoma is caused by the damage caused to the optic nerve through fluid eye buildup. When it is not treated, it usually permanently affects vision. As a significant source of blindness globally, glaucoma cannot be cured, but there are treatments that you can take. Let’s take a look at them.
What is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a progressive eye consideration that damages the optic nerve in the eye. This would eventually lead to eyesight loss. A significant risk factor is a fluid buildup in the eye (eye pressure). Glaucoma is common among aged women and men.
Causes of Glaucoma
Several factors can lead to glaucoma. Eye pressure is the most common cause. But other causes can include inflammatory conditions, blocked eye blood vessels, severe eye infections, and chemical injuries to the eye.
Treatment of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be treated through several methods, such as laser treatment, eye drops, and surgery. Treatment is usually based on the person’s circumstances. But experts of glaucoma surgery at Advanced Vision Care suggest a combination of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), laser surgery, and medicine to keep the patient’s eyesight.
Treating glaucoma would not reverse vision loss that has already happened, but it helps stop it from getting worse. Let’s find out the methods of glaucoma treatment.
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Surgery
Surgery is usually recommended in cases where either laser or eye drop treatment becomes ineffective. A common surgery often used is trabeculectomy. Glaucoma surgery is usually done when the patient is under general or local anesthetic.
For most persons, there would be no need to use eye drops after undergoing trabeculectomy, and there is usually a little pain after undergoing surgery. Before going ahead with surgery, you visit your doctor. They would discuss the type of recommended surgery alongside its risks and benefits.
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Eye drops
Eye drops are the most common treatment that most people use initially in treating glaucoma. Eye drops either improve drainage or lessen the fluid amount made by the eye. However, you must take recommendations from a medical practitioner to prevent unfavorable situations and get the best results.
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Laser treatment
In laser treatment, a strong beam of light (laser) is used to enhance fluid drainage from the eye. Though laser treatments usually complement eye drop usage, it does not fully replace it. Laser treatments typically give varying results. However, it usually lasts for about five years, and you could repeat the process.
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Oral medications
When your eye pressure is not brought down to the required level by eyebrows, your doctor might recommend an oral medication surgeon. The most common being carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and beta-blockers. Sometimes there might be side effects like kidney stones, stomach upset, depression, toe and finger tingling, and frequent urination.
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Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
Doctors usually recommend MIGS to reduce eye pressure. MIGS does not need drainage device installation, has a lower risk than trabeculectomy, and requires lowered postoperative care. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery is usually used together with surgery.
Several MIGS techniques are used in treating glaucoma, so you would have to consult with your doctor to know the best one for you.
That’s A Wrap
Glaucoma is common among older people, usually aged 60 and above. It results from fluid retention in the eye, which can increase eye pressure and damage the optic nerve. Most times, there would be no early symptoms. However, it might lead to loss of vision.
With regular eye tests, you would be able to detect issues and start effective treatment, commonly with eye drops. This will prevent or slow down the loss of vision.
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The information in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. All material on WE Magazine for Women is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for specific medical advice before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health-related programs including the use of dietary supplements or products.
