Seeing A Problem? The 101 On Glaucoma
Posted on: 21 April 2015
The quality of your vision may already be a priority for you and your family. However, the underlying health of your eyes should also be a priority. While surprising to hear, you can quickly develop eye disorders that may lead to more involved vision problems, sickness, or even blindness. Considering 3 million Americans have glaucoma, understanding the condition is key to preventing further issues. Using this guide, you will understand the signs of glaucoma and find the best treatment for your specific case.
Glaucoma 101
Glaucoma is actually a series of eye conditions that gradually damage your optic nerve. When fluid builds up in your eye, it should flow out of your eye's drainage system. If this fluid does not drain properly, it creates pressure in the eye, resulting in glaucoma.
Signs
Unfortunately, many people do not notice any signs of glaucoma, so annual visits to your eye doctor are imperative for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. If you are experiencing the following noticeable symptoms of glaucoma, consult your eye doctor:
- Blurred, Hazy Vision
- Loss of Peripheral Vision
- Tunnel Vision
- Rainbow Colors Around Bright Lights
- Eye or Head Pain
- Loss of Vision
- Vomiting or Nausea
Initially, your ophthalmologist will conduct a tonometry, a painless procedure that measures your eye's internal pressure. In addition, your doctor will conduct a vison exam, and an inspection of the optic nerve and cornea.
Medicated Treatment
There is no cure for glaucoma. However, you can manage the disorder's symptoms and prevent further damage using a variety of treatments. Here are a few treatment options your doctor may recommend:
- Eye Drops – In most cases, your doctor will prescribe medicated eye drops to begin glaucoma treatment. Used to increase the outflow of fluid and reduce the amount of pressure in your eye, drops are effective for many patients.
To prevent side effects related to these medicated drops, minimize the absorption into your blood stream by holding your eye closed for 2 minutes after application. Then, lightly press the corner of your eye, nearest to your nose, to close off the tear duct.
- Oral Medications – Your doctor may prescribe a series of oral medications to reduce the pressure in your eye. You may need to use the eye drops while taking an oral medicine orally.
Surgical Treatments
If eye drops are not effective, surgery may be your best option. Fortunately, there are a few different surgical procedures available to treat glaucoma.
Available as an outpatient procedure, laser surgery is a common option for patients with glaucoma. After numbing the eye and surrounding area, your doctor will use a laser to open ducts to improve fluid flow, resulting in an improved eye pressure.
If medicine and laser surgery is not helpful, a trabeculectomy will be necessary. Also known as a filtering surgery, the procedure surgically opens eye ducts to relieve pressure in the eye. While an invasive procedure, a trabeculectomy can help treat glaucoma to prevent further complications.
Natural Treatments
If you prefer to treat your glaucoma without medications and invasive surgeries, consider these natural options:
- Diet and Exercise – An estimated 16 million Americans have diabetes, which increases your risk of developing glaucoma. By following a healthy diet and exercise plan, you not only treat your diabetes, but also improve your overall eye health. Reduce your insulin levels to reduce your eye pressure by avoiding foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugar. Take bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, and sweets out of your diet. Exercise daily, as well.
- Supplement – Taking a few vitamin supplements each day is also great for your vision and underlying eye health. Omega-3 fat supplements improve the health of your retina. Also, Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplements are essential for eye health.
If you are seeing a problem with your vision, you may be at risk for developing glaucoma. Using this guide, you will have a better understanding of the condition and be able to treat your specific case of glaucoma.
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