Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It usually progresses slowly, and its symptoms often go unnoticed until it is in its advanced stages. Therefore, it is crucial to get regular exams with an eye doctor to detect and treat glaucoma early. This guide provides essential information you should know, including its types, symptoms, and treatment options. 

What Is Glaucoma? 

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting information from the eye to the brain. There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. 

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type and occurs when the drainage canals in the eye become clogged over time, causing an increase in intraocular pressure. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris is too close to the drainage canals, blocking the flow of fluid in the eye and causing a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. 

What Are the Symptoms? 

Many people with glaucoma do not experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed to a point where it has caused significant damage to the optic nerve. When symptoms do occur, they may include loss of peripheral vision, difficulty adjusting to dark environments, and seeing halos around lights. Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing glaucoma, including age, family history, high intraocular pressure, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. 

How It’s Treated

The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options may include eye drops, oral medications, laser therapy, or surgery. Eye drops are typically the first line of treatment and work by reducing the amount of fluid in the eye or increasing the outflow of fluid. Oral medications may also be used to lower intraocular pressure. If eye drops and oral medications are not effective, laser therapy or surgery may be recommended. 

Regular exams with an eye doctor are essential to detect any signs of glaucoma early. Eye exams can detect any changes in the intraocular pressure or the optic nerve, which can help in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. 
 

If you suspect you may have glaucoma, turn to Northern Lights Eye Care in Anchorage, AK. Their team of experienced eye doctors provides comprehensive eye exams and personalized treatment plans for eye diseases to help you maintain healthy vision. They’ve been serving the community for more than 14 years and use cutting-edge technology to deliver quality results for their patients. To schedule an appointment, please call them at (907) 276-3937 or visit their website to find out more about what they can do for you.