Glaucoma occurs when pressure inside the eye increases and causes a gradual fluid buildup in the eye. This causes permanent damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve communicates with the brain. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. It usually occurs gradually without causing pain or other symptoms; you may not experience vision loss until the disease has progressed.
Regular, comprehensive eye exams are the best way to prevent vision loss because of glaucoma.
Treatment
- The first option is prescription eye drops to help lower or control the buildup of fluid and pressure in the eye. This works for most people.
- Laser surgery is considered when the medication is not controlling the pressure in your eye or if you cannot tolerate the side effects of the eye medication.
- More advanced surgery, such as inserting micro-stents to help drain the fluid in the eye, offers more options in treating glaucoma.
Detecting Glaucoma
The Eye Clinic uses Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), the latest technology in detecting glaucoma and retinal diseases. OCT provides high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the optic nerve and retina and is able to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages.
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