Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness around the world. It often creeps up silently, without noticeable symptoms, so a person may not even be aware that they have the condition.
Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to severe vision loss, often referred to as “Tunnel Vision.”
Now for the good news. Certain treatments, including glaucoma surgery, can be up to 90% effective in reducing the risks of future vision loss. Furthermore, glaucoma surgery has improved recently, with new techniques that can lower abnormally high eye pressure quickly, with fewer side effects and greater safety.
Receiving a glaucoma diagnosis can be scary, but with the proper treatment and management, Meridian can help you protect your eyesight.
A Brief Overview of Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve, most often due to the buildup of too much pressure within the eye.
The 2 most common types of glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is the most common form, affecting 90% of individuals who have the disease. In OAG, the pressure inside the eye can slowly increase over the years. This type of glaucoma doesn’t present with noticeable symptoms until some vision loss has occurred, making routine eye exams crucial for early detection and successful treatment.
Angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. With this form of glaucoma, pressure inside the eye spikes suddenly, so be sure to contact your eye doctor right away if you suddenly experience severe eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, vision disturbances or see colorful rings around lights.
Can Glaucoma be Cured?
Unfortunately, scientists haven’t yet found a way to cure or reverse glaucoma. However, your eye doctor can recommend a number of treatments that may decrease your reliance on multiple eye drops and lower the chances of future nerve damage and vision loss.
Glaucoma surgery is one way of doing so.
How Can Glaucoma Surgery Help?
There are a few types of surgeries that treat glaucoma. Some use surgical incisions while others use tiny inserts or a laser.
The most common glaucoma surgeries include:
- Trabeculectomy
- Glaucoma implant surgery
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)
The goal of all of these procedures is to reduce the pressure inside your eye by facilitating the drainage of excess fluid. With less fluid retention and reduced eye pressure, your optic nerve’s condition will stabilize.
A major benefit of glaucoma surgery is the reduction in the number of eye drops you need to keep your eye pressure in the acceptable range.
Glaucoma Treatment and Management in Meridian
When it comes to treating and managing glaucoma, customization is key.
At Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA, we create a tailor-made treatment plan for each patient to ensure the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glaucoma, Meridian Ophthalmic Associates PA in Meridian can help.
Call today to schedule an appointment!