What is the Best Glaucoma Treatment?
The damage from glaucoma is irreversible, which is why it is important to work with an experienced optometrist in Chicago to identify the right treatment plan. Even though there is nothing that you can do to change the permanent damage that occurs, the progression of this eye disease can be stopped to reduce the risk of further damage. At West Loop Eye Care, we’re here to offer a personalized glaucoma treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
One of the dangers of glaucoma is that the symptoms aren’t detected until the damage has already been done. As this eye disease develops, a buildup of pressure within your eye starts to cause damage to the optic nerve. But, this pressure doesn’t show any symptoms until the optic nerve has been damaged. Since the optic nerve sends messages to the brain to transmit images that are seen, vision loss occurs if the nerve is damaged.
Even though early symptoms and pain are usually not detected by the patient, regular eye exams can be used to identify glaucoma in the early stages. Fast diagnosis of this eye disease is essential so that treatments can be used before you are dealing with long-term vision loss.
Typically, the first symptoms of glaucoma include loss of peripheral vision. Then, a patient might experience other symptoms such as headaches, eye pain, halos, or blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, then it is essential to talk to an optometrist as soon as possible.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, rest assured to know that treatment options are available. The treatment plan will be personalized based on your needs. Here are a few common treatment options that might be recommended:
- Prescription Eye Drops: Medications can be used to reduce eye pressure and slow the progress of this disease. These drops are typically prescribed to be used on a daily basis. As with other types of medications, it is important always to follow the recommendations from your doctor.
- Oral Medications: If the eye drops aren’t enough to reduce eye pressure, then oral medications might be recommended. These pills can be used to reduce the production of fluid in the eye.
- Surgical Treatments: As glaucoma progresses, it might be necessary to use surgical procedures. Laser surgery is one option that helps to manage the flow of fluid within the eye, helping to manage the pressure levels.
Keep in mind that the treatment plan depends on the type of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, also sometimes called wide-angle glaucoma. The other type is known as angle-closure glaucoma. Even though these eye diseases seem similar, different treatments are used to manage the way the pressure is building up in the eye.
Don’t Delay Diagnosis and Treatment
Immediate glaucoma treatment is always the best solution if you want to protect your vision. It is important that you maintain regular eye exams so that your eye doctor can detect signs of glaucoma and other eye diseases. Also, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you notice unusual symptoms.
West Loop Eye Care is always here to assist. Contact our experienced team right away to learn about the glaucoma treatment options that are available. You can call our office or use the online booking form to schedule an appointment.