Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. Sadly, many people are unaware of how and why glaucoma can harm their eyesight. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting this condition early to prevent long-term damage.
Here’s a deeper look at glaucoma, how it affects vision, and the treatment options available, including glaucoma eye surgery and laser eye surgery for glaucoma.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when high pressure builds up inside the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. This nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Over time, the increase in pressure can lead to permanent vision loss.
There are different types of glaucoma, but the most common is primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly and typically has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This is why it’s often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.”
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Vital for Detecting Glaucoma
One of the most alarming aspects of glaucoma is that half of the people with glaucoma don’t know they have it. The condition progresses slowly and often doesn’t show noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. That’s why routine eye check-ups are so important for early detection.
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor may perform several tests to check for glaucoma, such as:
- Tonometry – Measures eye pressure
- Visual field test – Detects peripheral vision loss
- Gonioscopy – Examines the drainage system of the eye
- Optic nerve exam – Digital imaging to detect nerve damage
If you’re over 60, or have any risk factors like a family history of glaucoma, high blood pressure, or diabetes, make sure to schedule regular eye exams.
Glaucoma Eye Surgery and Laser Treatments
Though there is no cure for glaucoma, there are several effective treatments to slow its progression and manage the symptoms. If medication or eye drops are not enough to control eye pressure, your eye doctor may recommend laser eye surgery for glaucoma or other types of eye surgery.
Types of Eye Surgery for Glaucoma:
- Laser Therapy (SLT or Trabeculoplasty): Laser treatments help improve the drainage of fluid from the eye, lowering pressure.
- Trabeculectomy: A surgical procedure that creates a new drainage pathway to reduce intraocular pressure.
- Trabecular Stent Bypass: A tiny stent is placed in the eye to assist in fluid drainage and reduce pressure.
These treatments aim to preserve your sight and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
How Laser Eye Surgery for Glaucoma Works
Laser surgery is often the first line of treatment for patients with glaucoma. It’s a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting, and it helps to reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage. It’s especially useful for patients with open-angle glaucoma who have not responded well to medications.
Laser treatments like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) are safe and effective, offering a significant reduction in eye pressure with minimal risk.
When to Consider Surgery for Glaucoma
If laser treatments or eye drops are not enough to control your eye pressure, your doctor may recommend surgery. Glaucoma surgery aims to reduce eye pressure permanently, which is key in preventing further damage to the optic nerve and vision loss.
Your eye doctor will discuss the best options for you based on the type and severity of your glaucoma.
Keep Your Vision Healthy with Regular Eye Exams
The best way to protect your eyes from glaucoma and other vision-related issues is by scheduling regular eye exams. Early detection through a comprehensive eye exam is the most effective way to preserve your vision and prevent long-term damage.
If you or someone you know is at risk for glaucoma or experiencing symptoms, contact Eyes on Group today. Our Lincoln eye doctors are here to provide the best care and guide you through the treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions with Dr. Nicholas Feucht
How much time does it take for glaucoma to cause blindness?
A: In the case of open-angle glaucoma, it can take years for significant vision loss to occur. However, in closed-angle glaucoma, where eye pressure rises suddenly, vision loss can happen quickly. The speed of progression depends on the type of glaucoma and eye pressure levels.
How many people go blind from glaucoma?
A: Without effective treatment, approximately 26.5% of people with glaucoma experience blindness in one eye after 10 years. After 20 years, the risk increases to 38.1%. This makes early diagnosis and treatment critical.