Glaucoma is a very serious eye condition. Unlike other eye conditions that present very obvious symptoms, glaucoma can sometimes be challenging to recognize since the symptoms are often very minimal.
If left untreated, glaucoma can eventually lead to permanent vision loss.
With the proper treatment, glaucoma progression can be halted, and vision loss can be prevented.
However, any vision damage already done cannot be reversed. Keep reading to learn what treatments are available for glaucoma!
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is often caused by pressure that is consistently higher than normal inside the eye. Increased eye pressure can happen for various reasons, but it most commonly occurs the fluid being created inside the eye cannot drain properly.
Typically this happens when the drainage channel inside the eye is partially blocked. The fluid that is created inside the eye is unable to filter out at the same rate it is created.
The pressure builds slowly, pressing onto the optic nerve. The optic nerve transfers information from the retina to the brain for you to see.
Compressing the nerve damages cells and blood vessels. Everyone’s optic nerves are different.
Some are more durable than others. You never know exactly how fast glaucoma will damage your eyes, so it is important to get your eyes examined regularly to ensure you are not at risk for vision loss due to glaucoma.
How Can Frantz EyeCare Help With My Glaucoma?
There are several treatment methods that can help reduce eye pressure and treat glaucoma. Sometimes one treatment is enough, for others, multiple different treatments may be necessary.
The first method of treatment for glaucoma is often medicated eye drops. These prescription eye drops aim to reduce eye pressure by either helping to increase the outflow of fluid or decreasing the amount of fluid being produced.
Glaucoma eye drops must be taken consistently and on a strict schedule in order to work properly. There is also oral medication available that can help reduce eye pressure.
Be sure to let your eye doctor know if the medication is causing any side effects. There may be alternatives that can work better for you.
In some cases, eye doctors may recommend a laser procedure to help lower eye pressure. Certain laser procedures, such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), can help open up the eye’s natural drainage channels, allowing for greater outflow of fluid.
Glaucoma can also be treated through various surgical procedures. At Frantz EyeCare, you have two different options: the iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent or the Xen® Gel Stent.
Both options function similarly. A stent is inserted into the eye, creating a channel for fluid to flow out of the eye efficiently and safely.
The iStent® Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent is a fantastic option for those who need cataract surgery as well as glaucoma treatment because both procedures can be performed at the same time. The Xen® Gel Stent is useful for patients that have had previous surgical treatment.
For many people, surgery is not the end of treatment. It may reduce your eye pressure quickly, but you may still need to take medication to keep it under control.
Do you have questions about glaucoma or want to ensure you aren’t at risk for developing glaucoma? Schedule your next eye exam at Frantz EyeCare in Fort Myers, FL, today.
