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Living with Glaucoma
What to expect and how to keep your eyes healthy.
There are 3 million people living in the US who have glaucoma, but only 1.5 million have been diagnosed and are being treated. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible loss of sight in the US.
What is glaucoma?
There are several types, but the two main types are:
- Primary open-angle glaucoma , accounts for 90% of cases. It develops slowly and creates increased eye pressure.
- Angle-closure glaucoma is rare, develops quickly with noticeable symptoms.
Glaucoma can be diagnosed with regular, yearly checkups with your optometrist.
There are several tests doctors use in conjunction to make their diagnosis. They check inner eye pressure, the color and shape of the optic nerve, a field of vision test, they look at the angle in the eye where the iris meets the cornea, and they check the thickness of the cornea.
Once you have been diagnosed, there are ways to treat, but not reverse the disease. Glaucoma is most commonly treated with daily eye drops which lower pressure in the eye. Laser surgery is also an option, and there are two main types.
- Trabeculoplasty : for patients with open-angle glaucoma. Surgeons will use a laser to make the drainage angle work efficiently to ensure fluid flows properly and pressure can be reduced.
- Iridotomy: for patients with angle-closure glaucoma. Here, surgeons will create a small hole in the iris which helps fluid flow properly.
Once you have a diagnosis, it is extremely important to manage your care in the way your doctor lays out. This includes following all medication instructions to the letter, and regular check-ups.
You might need to visit your doctor every 3 to 6 months depending on what they feel is necessary for the severity of your diagnosis.
If you worry you might forget a dose, use a timer or an alarm when you require treatment so you don’t forget. And you don’t forget the mental aspect of such a diagnosis. Since the prospect of losing sight is a burdensome concept, talk to your friends and family, or find a group where you can share insights and feelings about your condition.
While glaucoma can be a scary, irreversible diagnosis, it can still be managed.
Missing appointments or being lax with your treatment plan, can increase your chances for sight loss.
Remaining diligent and educating yourself on the disease will go a long way in making sure you can still read your morning paper, watch your favorite TV shows, and drive.
Ask Dr. McGee or Dr. Cherian if you have any questions or concerns about glaucoma.
