What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a collection of eye diseases that cause your vision to decline over time. These conditions damage the optic nerve, the large nerve in the back of your eye that sends input to your brain and allows you to see.
Cases of glaucoma tend to start very mildly, and you might not notice any changes to your vision for a significant amount of time at first. However, even before you see a difference in your vision, a comprehensive eye exam can detect and diagnose glaucoma.
There are several different types of glaucoma, but the most common is called open-angle glaucoma. Experts suspect this type of damage to the optic nerve comes from increased pressure inside your eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). This happens when the fluid inside your eye can’t drain fast enough.
How can I reduce my risk for glaucoma?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, and your risk increases as you age. While there are a few factors that increase your risks, like your age and your family’s history of glaucoma, you can reduce your risk of developing glaucoma by:
The team at Elite Eye Care can go over your risk factors for glaucoma and let you know if you’re at a particularly high risk of getting it.
Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a well-rounded diet
- Scheduling regular eye exams at Elite Eye Care
- Follow Dr. Yakubov’s instructions
for using eye drops for a high IOP
How is glaucoma treated?
Treating your glaucoma doesn’t undo any damage that has already happened to your optic nerve, which is why it’s important to catch the condition early. However, treatment for glaucoma can stop the damage from getting any worse.
One common treatment for glaucoma is eye drops that reduce your eye’s IOP. This prevents new and worsening damage to the optic nerve. Dr. Yakubov and the team teach you how to use these eye drops correctly before prescribing them.
Laser treatment is another treatment option for glaucoma, which works by helping drain extra fluid out of your eyes to lower the pressure. Certain surgeries, which are usually only necessary when less invasive strategies haven’t provided improvement, can also improve eye drainage to stop the progression of glaucoma.
It’s crucial that you come in for regular check-ups at Elite Eye Care so the team can keep an eye on your condition. To schedule an appointment for glaucoma, call the nearest Elite Eye Care office or book online today.