Is There a Cure for Glaucoma?
Shelton, Connecticut
Glaucoma is a condition that causes permanent vision loss. When you have glaucoma, it usually means that your intraocular pressure (the pressure inside of your eye) is very high. This increase in pressure causes damage to the optic nerve, which causes irreparable vision loss.
There is no cure for glaucoma, however it can be managed to reduce vision loss. Prevention is key to avoid glaucoma-related vision loss, and by practicing self-care, you can slow/limit the progression of vision loss due to glaucoma. One of the first precautionary steps to take is to schedule regular eye exams, and if you are in our area of Shelton, Connecticut, we are here to help at Pinke Eye Center! Give us a call at (208) – 924 – 8800.
What can be done to prevent it?
- Get regular comprehensive eye exams.
- Stay up-to-date on family eye health history.
- Engage in moderate physical exercise.
- Healthy lifestyle habits – no smoking, wholesome diet.
- Prevent overexposure to sunlight by wearing protective eyewear.
What is the course of treatment for someone with glaucoma?
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, it is important to begin treatment immediately. Glaucoma treatments include medicines, laser trabeculoplasty, conventional surgery, or a combination of any of these. While these treatments may save remaining vision, they do not improve sight already lost from glaucoma.
Medicine can come in the form of eyedrops or pills and it is usually used in cases where the glaucoma was caught early. Medicines need to be taken regularly to achieve desired results.
Laser trabeculoplasty is another option for treatment, usually considered in addition to the medication. The laser treatment drains the fluid out of the eye and prevents further loss of vision.
The final option is the route taken when both medication and laser treatment isn’t enough. Conventional surgery requires the surgeon to manually open and drain the fluid trapped in the eyeball using a scalpel.
Will there be a cure for glaucoma in the foreseeable future?
Medical researchers have been working towards finding a cure for glaucoma, and although a cure has not been officially received. Researchers are pursuing several avenues that look promising. They have discovered genes that could help explain how glaucoma damages the eye.
The National Eye Institute is also studying people with a likelihood of glaucoma, increased eye pressure, and what treatments should be prioritized.
If you are concerned about glaucoma, or your own eye health, feel free to give us a call so we can schedule a consultation – (208) – 924 – 8800. Our office is in Shelton, Connecticut.
