It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma, with only half of these individuals being aware that they have the condition. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it typically produces no early warning signs or symptoms. By the time vision loss occurs from glaucoma, it is usually irreversible.
That is why it is so important to get regular comprehensive eye examinations, which include tests for glaucoma.
If caught early, glaucoma can be treated and its progression halted or slowed. But once vision is lost from glaucoma, it cannot be restored.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for sending signals from the eye to the brain, where they are interpreted as the images we see.
Glaucoma typically occurs when the fluid pressure inside the eye becomes too high. This increased pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing vision loss.
Glaucoma can be primary open-angle glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. It occurs when the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, preventing fluid from draining properly. This causes the fluid pressure inside the eye to increase, which damages the optic nerve.
Angle-closure glaucoma is less common but more serious. It occurs when the iris (the colored part of the eye) bulges forward and blocks the drainage angle of the eye. This can happen suddenly or gradually.
When the iris bulges forward, it prevents fluid from draining properly and the fluid pressure inside the eye increases rapidly. This sudden increase in pressure can damage the optic nerve, causing vision loss.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately to prevent vision loss.
Glaucoma can also be secondary, which means it is caused by another condition or disease.
If you have glaucoma, you may not notice any changes in your vision at first. The loss of vision from glaucoma is gradual and usually starts with your peripheral vision (the sides of your vision).
As glaucoma progresses, you may begin to see a “tunnel” around your
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best treatment for glaucoma?
There is no single “best” treatment for glaucoma, as the best method depends on the person’s specific symptoms and medical condition. Some of the most common treatments for glaucoma include eye drops, medication pills, laser surgery, and traditional surgical methods such as incisional surgery. Some newer minimally invasive surgical options that are more effective than conventional surgery include CORRECT Q-LASER (COSTAR) and SBGA. These techniques use tiny particles to break up the existing glaucoma pressure inside the eye, leading to improved vision with few or no side effects. A combination of different treatment methods is usually most effective for patients. Your doctor will recommend a specific treatment plan based on your symptoms, medical history, and overall health condition.
What percentage of glaucoma patients no longer need medication after surgery?
A study in 2010 looking at a five-year follow-up of glaucoma patients reported that 50 percent of patients no longer required medications after surgery for a significant length of time. Thirty-five to 40 percent of those who still needed medication had better control of their IOP.
What are the stages of glaucoma?
There are three stages of glaucoma: early, moderate, and severe.
What are eye drops for glaucoma?
There are three main types of eye drops for glaucoma: acthalide, carbonic anhydrase, and corticosteroids. Each type works differently to reduce the pressure in your eyes. Acthalide drops create a tear in the pupil that blocks out extra light. This causes your vision to worsen gradually until you stop using the drop, but it usually lasts up to six months. Carbonic anhydrase eye drops dissolve CO2 gas in the fluid inside your eyes. This decreases the pressure inside your eyes, usually stopping it from getting worse. They're usually used for short term (up to twelve weeks) treatment when other treatments haven't worked or when there's an emergency. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation in your eye tissues and can stabilise blood sugar levels in your eyes, which helps reduce the pressure inside them. They're normally used over a longer period of time (between six and eighteen months);
How to get rid of glaucoma in the left eye naturally?
Cedron is a natural homeopathic medicine that can effectively reduce glaucoma in the left eye. In order to use Cedron, dilute it in distilled water or another type of liquid. Apply the diluted solution to your affected eye several times per day.
