Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States. It is estimated that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually diminishes vision by damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually affects peripheral vision (around the edges of the field of view) initially, and then progresses to central vision as well.
Unfortunately, there is not yet a cure for glaucoma. However, glaucoma is treatable, and vision loss can be prevented, especially if detected early. Glaucoma screening is often included as part of a routine eye exam. The appropriate course of treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma and other factors.
Medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. It was once thought that high pressure within the eye, also known as intraocular pressure (or IOP), was the main cause of optic nerve damage. Although IOP is a risk factor, other factors must also be involved because even people with “normal” eye pressure can develop vision loss from glaucoma.
