close-up shot of an eye with glaucoma

Understanding, Managing, And Treating Glaucoma: A Comprehensive Guide

Complete Guide To Glaucoma: Understanding, Managing, And Treating Glaucoma, The Eye Condition

At DeCarlo Optometry Placentia, we bring clarity to your world with comprehensive eye care solutions. We specialize in various services, including primary eye care, diagnosis, and treatment of eye conditions like glaucoma, and even unique services such as storm damage. Our top-notch experts are just a call away at (714) 996-1136

Don’t take our word for it—peruse our numerous customer testimonials to see our remarkable service for treating glaucoma firsthand. Also, check out our FAQs section for instant answers to your burning questions. Remember, clear vision is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. So why wait? Dial our number for superior eye care solutions today.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition where pressure builds within the eyeball, causing optic nerve damage and peripheral vision loss. If not addressed, it may lead to blindness. Common symptoms include eye pain, headaches, loss of vision, halos around lights, and colors appearing distorted or dull.

Risk Factors For Glaucoma: Treating Glaucoma

Glaucoma, often associated with high eye pressure, can also affect individuals with normal or low eye pressure. Here are the key risk factors:

  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Age
  • Congenitaldisabilitiess
  • History of injury or eye disease
  • Previous cataract surgery
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Excessive use of steroid medication

People with these risk factors should undergo routine eye examinations.

Types Of Glaucoma

Primary Glaucoma: This can be an isolated incident or due to a genetic trait. The types include:

  • Open-Angle: Characterized by slow peripheral vision loss, leading to tunnel vision.
  • Acute Angle-Closure: An emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
  • Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Happens in people with normal eye pressure.
  • Congenital Glaucoma: Babies are born with this issue, preventing normal fluid drainage.

Secondary Glaucoma: This less common type occurs due to another medical condition. Some forms include:

  • Neovascular Glaucoma: Related to increased production of eye vessels.
  • Pigmentary Glaucoma: Caused when pigment from the iris blocks fluid drainage.
  • Uveitic Glaucoma: Occurs in people with uveitis, possibly due to inflammation and scar tissue.
Close-up shot of a girl putting on some eye drops
Best Eye Drops For Glaucoma

Managing Glaucoma: Prevention And Treatment

Prevention Of Glaucoma Involves:

  • Regular eye care
  • Managing high intraocular eye pressure
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eye protection
  • Regular exercise
  • Consuming an eye-healthy diet

Treating Glaucoma aims to reduce intraocular pressure through medication or surgery. Upon a diagnosis of glaucoma, you may be prescribed glaucoma treatment eye drops or undergo laser treatment for glaucoma. Regular eye checkups aid in the early detection and prevention of symptom worsening.

Laser treatment helps prevent Glaucoma progression, especially if diagnosed early. It involves creating a new drainage channel for fluid or implanting a device called a shunt to drain fluid.

In certain situations, even after trying different medicines, surgery might be required. There are several surgeries to drain this liquid and prevent further complications.

Glaucoma Treatment Eye Drops

Eye drops for glaucoma can be either prescription or over-the-counter. The choice depends on the pressure in your eyes and your ability to follow the treatment regimen. Eye drops can be used in combination with laser treatment for glaucoma.

Maintaining a healthy body weight to avoid diabetes and hypertension is essential. This, along with a nutritious diet and regular eye exams, can significantly reduce the risk of developing glaucoma.

Regarding eye care, DeCarlo Optometry Placentia stands second to none. Our multifaceted services, from routine check-ups to storm damage repairs, speak volumes of our commitment to ensuring your vision stays perfect. But don’t just trust us; our glowing customer reviews highlight the exceptional service and personalized care we extend to every patient. If you have more questions, check out our FAQs for more insight. So, why not call us at (714) 996-1136 and give your eyes the care they deserve today?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition characterized by a pressure buildup within the eyeball. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to loss of peripheral vision. If left untreated, it can cause blindness. Symptoms include eye pain, headaches, vision loss, halos around lights, and distorted color perception.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing Glaucoma, including race/ethnicity, a family history of glaucoma, age, congenital disabilities, a history of injury or eye disease, previous cataract surgery, diabetes mellitus, and excessive use of steroid medication.

There are primarily two types of Glaucoma – Primary and Secondary. Primary Glaucoma includes Open-Angle, Acute Angle-Closure, Normal-Tension, and Congenital Glaucoma. Secondary Glaucoma, less common, can occur due to other medical conditions such as Neovascular, Pigmentary, and Uveitic Glaucoma.

Prevention methods include regular eye care, managing high intraocular eye pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, protecting your eyes, regular exercise, and following an eye-healthy diet.

Glaucoma treatment typically involves reducing intraocular pressure, which can be achieved through medication or surgery. Treatments may include eye drops, laser treatment, or in some cases, surgical intervention.

Glaucoma damage is often irreversible. However, early detection and treatment can halt or slow down the progression of the disease, preserving the remaining vision.

If Glaucoma is diagnosed early, laser treatment can effectively prevent disease progression. The treatment involves creating a new drainage channel for fluid or implanting a device to drain fluid, helping lower eye pressure.

Eye drops for Glaucoma are medications designed to reduce the pressure in your eyes. They can be used alongside other treatments, like laser treatments.

A healthy body weight helps prevent conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which can increase the risk of Glaucoma. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy weight.

If left untreated, Glaucoma can lead to complete blindness over time. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, most people with Glaucoma will not lose their sight.