Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause irreversible damage to your optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness. This insidious disease can sneak up on you, as its early stages are often symptom-free. However, with the advent of new advances in glaucoma treatment, there is a beacon of hope that you can hold on to.

 

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is primarily caused by an imbalance in the production and drainage of the aqueous humor, the fluid in your eye. In a healthy eye, this fluid circulates between the cornea and the lens, providing nourishment and maintaining a consistent intraocular pressure. However, if the drainage system becomes dysfunctional, pressure within the eye can quickly build up.
 

There are several types of glaucoma, each with its own set of causes. The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, is largely hereditary. If your family has a history of the condition, you are at a higher risk. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. In contrast, angle-closure glaucoma, which is less common but can be more acute, is caused by a complete or partial blockage of the drainage angle in the eye, leading to a rapid increase in pressure.
 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Glaucoma

While glaucoma is often asymptomatic in its early stages, there are signs that can alert you to the possibility of the disease. For primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, the loss of peripheral or side vision is typically the first sign. This can manifest as difficulty in seeing objects out of the corner of your eye or feeling like you have to turn your head to see something that used to be visible with a simple glance.
 

For acute angle-closure glaucoma, the symptoms can be dramatic and include sudden blurry vision, severe eye pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and seeing rainbow-colored rings around lights. This type of glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
 

Other potential symptoms of glaucoma include seeing halos around lights, eye redness, and decreased vision, especially in low light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to see an eye doctor promptly for an evaluation. Regular eye exams are key to detecting glaucoma early, especially since symptoms may not be noticeable until significant damage has already been done.
 

The New Advances in Glaucoma Treatment

Exciting new advances in glaucoma treatment are providing hope and improved outcomes for patients. One of the most significant advancements is in the field of laser therapy. Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is a procedure that has been used for years to manage open-angle glaucoma, but newer laser technologies are making the procedure even more effective and less invasive.
 

Another innovative approach is the development of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). These procedures use tiny equipment and tiny incisions to reduce intraocular pressure by improving aqueous humor outflow. MIGS has the advantage of being less invasive than traditional glaucoma surgery, leading to quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
 

Conclusion

Glaucoma, the silent thief of sight, has long been a condition that crept up unnoticed until it was too late. However, with the incredible advances in glaucoma treatment, there is a growing sense of optimism among patients and eye care professionals alike.
 

If you or a loved one is battling glaucoma, schedule an appointment with our professionals to discuss treatment options. Visit Westchester Eyes & Aesthetics at our office in Yonkers, New York. Call 914-586-EYES (3937) to book your appointment today.