Vision is more than a sense; it shapes our daily lives and connects us with others. But glaucoma, a condition that slowly damages the optic nerve, can threaten this precious sense, affecting millions worldwide.
Today, our glaucoma specialists in The Villages, Wildwood, Leesburg, Tavares, Lady Lake, and Mount Dora are diving into hopeful options for managing the condition beyond glaucoma surgery. From understanding the basics to exploring treatments, we’re shedding light on how to live well while managing glaucoma.
Glaucoma: A Brief Overview
Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss, often due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, second only to cataracts as a global vision impairment. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, progresses slowly and often without symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred.
Those at risk must understand the early signs:
- Patchy blind spots in central or peripheral vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Blurred vision
- Seeing rainbows or halos
- Severe frontal headaches or eye pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Therefore, since symptoms can differ based on the disease type and progression, regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.
That’s why monitoring and managing IOP is vital, whether through traditional surgery, medications, or innovative technologies like the iStent.
Treatments Available for Glaucoma
Medication often serves as the first line of glaucoma therapy, aiming to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.
Understanding how to balance eye pressure with medication leads us to look at glaucoma surgery as a direct treatment option for those whose glaucoma cannot be controlled by medication alone.
Glaucoma surgery is a key treatment for serious glaucoma cases, aiming to make a new way for eye fluid to drain and lower eye pressure. Trabeculectomy and shunt implantation performed by a glaucoma surgeon are common treatments for this. The most commonly used treatments are SLT, Durysta, goniotomy, canaloplasty, and iStent Infinite.
Medications
Topical eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma patients. They reduce IOP through various mechanisms, such as decreasing fluid production, improving fluid outflow, or by medication’s traction on the eye’s ciliary muscles. Though effective, eye drops require strict adherence and can cause side effects like redness and irritation.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment for glaucoma has become a crucial part of managing the condition. It can be applied as a primary treatment or in combination with medications. The procedure, known as trabeculoplasty, is performed by a glaucoma surgeon and uses a high-energy laser to improve drainage in the angle of the eye, reducing the need for eye drops and potentially delaying the onset of more invasive surgeries. Laser treatment has the advantage of being outpatient-based, with minimal recovery time.
Interventional Treatment
Among the innovative approaches to managing glaucoma, the iStent infinite® is a groundbreaking solution designed for patients with a high degree of disease progression.
The iStent infinite® Trabecular Micro-Bypass System Model iS3 is a device implanted to help reduce the IOP of the eye. Glaucoma specialists recommend this procedure for adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who have not responded to prior medical and surgical treatments.
While glaucoma surgery is an option for preserving vision and preventing further damage in some instances, it’s important to note that non-surgical treatments also play a significant role in glaucoma treatment when detected early.
Advice for Glaucoma Patients
The message to glaucoma patients is clear – be proactive. Regular eye examinations can detect glaucoma early, giving you a broader range of treatment choices. Work closely with your ophthalmologist to create a care plan that suits your needs. Consider lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress, as these have been suggested to help manage glaucoma.
Glaucoma is a silent threat that requires an active approach. If you have a family history of glaucoma or have questions regarding your eye health, consult a glaucoma specialist to learn about available options and take the necessary steps to safeguard your precious gift of sight.
To request an appointment in The Villages, Wildwood, Leesburg, Tavares, Lady Lake, and Mount Dora, visit this link.
**The information provided in this blog on diabetes and cataracts is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.**
