What Is Glaucoma and How Is It Treated?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness that typically does not produce noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many people do not realize they have glaucoma until their vision starts deteriorating in its later stages, making prompt diagnosis and treatment from an “ophthalmologist near me” crucial for preserving your eyesight. Eye Doctors of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ, is here to tell you about glaucoma and how we can treat it.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma results from optic nerve damage due to increased eye pressure. However, some people may have glaucoma without heightened eye pressure. Our optic nerve is vital for sending signals to the brain that allow us to see. Damage to the optic nerve can result in vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma also forms gradually and slowly, meaning people frequently miss early signs and symptoms of this disease before it progresses to its later stages. Regular eye exams with our ophthalmologists are crucial for catching and treating glaucoma early on.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma has two forms with different symptoms. The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, has early symptoms such as clouded vision and difficulty seeing in limited light or when lighting conditions change. Later symptoms include peripheral vision loss and damage to central or straight-ahead vision. The second type, angle-closure glaucoma, has a sudden onset and requires emergency treatment. Symptoms include eye pain, dilated pupils, headaches, and seeing halos around lights.

Glaucoma Treatments

Your treatment will depend on the form of glaucoma you have and its severity. Our ophthalmologists may prescribe eye drops that decrease pressure in your eyes to manage earlier stages of glaucoma. Laser therapy is another treatment we may use to manage open-angle glaucoma. Our ophthalmologists use a laser to improve fluid drainage in your eyes.

Severe or advanced cases of glaucoma often require surgery for treatment. Our ophthalmologists may perform a trabeculectomy or a drainage implant surgery based on your condition and overall health. A trabeculectomy creates an opening in your sclera to drain excess fluid, while drainage implant surgery inserts a tiny tube in the eye to create a new drainage channel.

See Your Ophthalmologists Near Me in Phoenix, AZ, for Glaucoma Treatment Today

Glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss or blindness if left untreated, so contact the Eye Doctors of Arizona in Phoenix, AZ, for diagnosis and treatment today. Our ophthalmologists can help you maintain healthy eyes and strong vision, so call us at (602) 257-8280 to schedule an eye exam at one of our four locations in Phoenix, AZ.