Glaucoma - Lowering the Risks

Glaucoma is an eye condition that could be the cause of damage to the optic disc, a loss of vision and in some cases, blindness. It is caused by additional pressure in the eye that can also lead to problems such as headaches and pain in the eyes. Some factors which may increase the risk of developing this problem include, age, race and corneal thickness. Diabetes, injury to the eye and low blood pressure can be taken into consideration in pre-diagnosis stages. The condition can affect one eye or both of them. If the patient does not receive adequate treatment, it it will probably lead to diminished peripheral vision or even blindness.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

Early intervention is the best way to limit or even eliminate unwanted symptoms, and taking care of your eye health is also beneficial. Making regular appointments with your eye hospital can help your doctor to identify symptoms of the disease and give you the best chance of recovery. Medication and injections can help sustain any symptoms or pain you will experience ,as well as prevent it from becoming progressively worse.

Screening and Exams for Glaucoma

Eye examinations can be a good way to identify glaucoma in sufferers. Peripheral vision is measured using the visual field test. The retina and optic nerve are examined using eye drops to enlarge the pupil, enabling the eye doctor to examine the optic nerve and retina. A test known as the visual acuity test allows doctors to assess a patient’s ability to see objects at varying distances. The cornea can be measured using an ultrasonic wave after numbing eye drops are administered. Finally, pressure in the eye is measured using tonometry.

Medication

Prescribed eye drops and pills may lower eye pressure and reduce the amount of fluid in the eye. Medication often has to be taken regularly throughout the day and could produce side effects in users. In the majority of cases, patients will be required to continue taking the medication indefinitely to stop the disease from progressing.

Conventional Surgery to Treat Glaucoma

Considered by many to be a last resort option, conventional surgery is a procedure to remove a portion of eye tissue which enables fluid drainage as this creates a channel for the fluid to drain. In time, this drainage channel may start to become narrow, which may result in the patient needing additional surgery. This method can cause problems with the cornea, inflammation and an increased risk of infection.

Laser Surgery to Treat the Glaucoma Condition

Each eye is treated separately during Laser surgery. Laser trabeculoplasty facilitates the draining process by using a laser beam. This stretches the drainage holes to enable superior drainage and to relieve overall pressure in the eye.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Treat or Reduce Glaucoma

To lower the chance of contracting this disease, patients are recommended to be careful of gaining too much weight as this will help to lessen the risk of developing diabetes, as diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from glaucoma. Patients should also wear eye protection in order to avoid preventable eye injuries.

Although LASIK surgery is not always appropriate for most patients with glaucoma, those with a stable condition may be helped by the procedure. Also, there are custom laser surgeries are available to help patients this disease. An appointment with a professional will enable you to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.

With help from Dr Harvey Carter complaints of Glaucoma can be erased. Call Doctor Harvey Carter to learn about your Dallas glaucoma options.