The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment for Glaucoma

The American Glaucoma Society always stresses the importance of detecting and treating glaucoma early. This eye condition is a silent vision killer. It does not have noticeable signs or symptoms. It is also incurable. Regular eye checks will let your eye doctor see if you have early symptoms. Here are the details that you should consider about the importance of glaucoma’s early detection and treatment.
 

Glaucoma as a Devastating Condition

Studies show that many people do not know they have glaucoma. This is because this condition has no visible signs or symptoms. Worryingly, you cannot regain your vision if you lose it because of glaucoma. The best that you can do is to slow down the progress of this eye condition. Seeing your eye doctor for regular eye exams can spot the early symptoms of glaucoma. This can lead to early treatment.

Glaucoma increases the pressure inside your eyeball. The intense pressure damages the optic nerve. It can also cause slow vision loss. Having a high IOC or intraocular pressure is not enough to develop glaucoma. Genetics and a damaged optic nerve contribute to its onset.
 

Detecting Glaucoma Early

Glaucoma is a sneaky disease. That is why catching it is important. Your general doctor plays an important role. Inspecting the optic nerve is part of their routine physical health exam. If your doctor sees something different between your eyes, you will need to see your eye doctor.

You will need an eye checkup if glaucoma runs in your family. Changing medications is necessary if you are on a beta-blocker for your blood pressure or heart rate. Seeing your eye doctor can make this possible.

Glaucoma can lead to blindness, vision impairment, or peripheral vision loss. The early detection of glaucoma can provide you with valuable information about the medications that you will take. You will also receive resources to help you manage and live with glaucoma. These references can prevent or even reduce the complications of the disease.

Treating Glaucoma Early

Once your eye doctor discovers that you have a high IOP, lowering it is the priority of your early glaucoma treatment. This will prevent more damage to your optic nerve. You can have your vision longer, allowing you to have a better quality of life.  

Your eye doctor can choose a treatment with minimal side effects. Medications, such as beta-blockers, can decrease your IOP by lowering the production of your aqueous humor. These medications can also increase the outflow of your aqueous humor. You may need one or more medications to bring down your IOP. Some individuals may need a mix of surgery and therapies if they cannot tolerate medications or find medications insufficient.

Patient adherence can make glaucoma treatments successful. Many factors can affect your adherence to your therapies. Some of them are the following:

·      Medication costs.

·      Adverse effects.

·      Improper communication with the eye doctor.

·      Lack of information about glaucoma.

·      Difficult treatments.

·      Aging.

·      Lack of help with medications.

·      Chronic health conditions.

Early detection and treatment of glaucoma are important in preventing this eye condition from worsening. At Van Alstyne Eye Care, we always guide our patients before, during, and after their treatments. Please visit our clinic in Van Alstyne, Texas, for an in-person consultation. Please call us at 903-482-0090 to set an appointment or ask about our glaucoma screening and treatment packages.