/assets/docs/442641.png)
/assets/docs/442638.png)
/assets/docs/442639.png)
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss, affecting 80 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, half of the 4.2 million people in the United States with glaucoma don’t know they have it.
Our experts at Maryland Eye Care Center work with patients every day to help diagnose, monitor, and manage this condition before it affects their quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with or is at risk of glaucoma, here are answers to five of the most common questions we receive.
Glaucoma isn’t a specific disease but the name of a group of eye diseases. All types of glaucoma have one element in common: a damaged optic nerve.
Your optic nerve is an “information highway” that sends visual signals from your eye to your brain. Optic nerve damage is often the result of elevated intraocular eye pressure, although glaucoma can occur even with normal pressure.
The main types of glaucoma are:
With any form of glaucoma, vision loss progresses gradually and permanently without treatment.
Because glaucoma can steal sight, it’s crucial to recognize the signs. Glaucoma can be tricky, though, because early stages typically have no noticeable symptoms.
Many people don’t realize anything is wrong until peripheral (side) vision starts to fade. In more advanced or acute cases, symptoms may include blurry vision, eye pain or pressure, halos around lights, or sudden vision loss.
Because symptoms are subtle, routine eye exams are the best way to catch glaucoma early.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some people are at much higher risk. Factors include:
If you fall into one of these groups, we strongly recommend regular screenings so our team can check the pressure in your eyes and your optic nerve for damage.
Glaucoma isn’t curable, but it is manageable. Your treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage to your optic nerve.
Treatment options include:
Depending on your needs, your ophthalmologist at Maryland Eye Care Center may recommend prescription eye drops or oral medications. Examples of glaucoma medications include prostaglandins, beta-blockers, alpha-adrenergic agonists, and rho kinase inhibitors.
We may recommend surgery to drain fluid and reduce pressure in your eyes. We offer two types of surgery: laser trabeculoplasty and trabeculectomy.
There’s no surefire way to prevent glaucoma, but you can lower your risk. The main thing is to stay consistent with comprehensive eye exams at one of our locations in Hyattsville or Silver Spring, Maryland. Regular exams help us catch pressure changes before they cause damage.
If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, work with your primary care provider to manage the condition. And don’t forget the basics: Protect your eyes from injury, and pay attention to any changes in your vision.
To safeguard your vision, schedule your eye exam today.
