Glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, occurs when the drainage channels in the eye become blocked or inefficient. When the fluid cannot drain properly, the pressure inside the eye rises, damaging the optic nerve.

Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary risk factor for glaucoma. Regular eye exams can monitor intraocular pressure to detect increases early. While elevated pressure is a significant risk, glaucoma can also develop in people with normal eye pressure, a condition known as normal-tension glaucoma.

As people age, their risk of developing glaucoma increases. After age 60, the risk of glaucoma significantly rises. Regular eye exams become increasingly important as we age to detect any early signs of the disease.

If someone in your family has glaucoma, your chances of developing it are higher. Sharing your family’s eye health history with your eye doctor helps create a personalized care plan to monitor for glaucoma and other conditions.

Certain racial and ethnic groups are more prone to glaucoma. People of African descent are more likely to develop open-angle glaucoma at an earlier age and may experience faster progression. People of Asian descent are at increased risk for angle-closure glaucoma, while Hispanic individuals may be more likely to develop glaucoma in general. Early screening is important for those at higher risk.

Several health conditions can increase the risk of glaucoma, including:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Eye injuries
• Inflammatory eye diseases
• Long-term steroid use

Eye drops are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. They work by either reducing the production of fluid inside the eye or helping it drain more efficiently. There are several types of eye drops, including prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, and alpha agonists.

If eye drops are not sufficient to lower eye pressure, oral medications can be prescribed. These medications work by reducing the production of aqueous humor in the eye and can help lower IOP effectively.

Laser procedures such as trabeculoplasty can improve the drainage of fluid in the eye, helping to lower intraocular pressure. Laser iridotomy may be used in angle-closure glaucoma to create a new drainage pathway for fluid.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a newer option that uses tiny devices or small incisions to enhance fluid drainage in the eye. MIGS procedures offer quicker recovery times and fewer risks compared to traditional surgery.

Filtering surgery, such as trabeculectomy, creates a new pathway for fluid to drain out of the eye. This is usually recommended for patients whose glaucoma is not controlled with medication or laser treatment.

In advanced cases of glaucoma, drainage devices (also called shunts) may be surgically implanted to help drain fluid from the eye, effectively lowering intraocular pressure and preventing further nerve damage.

After treatment, regular follow-up exams are essential to monitor the success of the treatment and adjust as needed. Eye pressure, optic nerve health, and vision should be checked regularly to ensure the disease is managed effectively.

While lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, support overall eye health, they do not replace medical treatment for glaucoma. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage associated risks, such as high blood pressure.

Yes, though rare, children can develop glaucoma, often at birth or during early childhood. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preserving vision in children with glaucoma.

There are always new developments in glaucoma treatment, such as long-lasting implants, advanced MIGS procedures, and newer forms of medication. Ask your doctor about clinical trials and emerging treatments.

Bring your current prescription glasses or contact lens information, a list of any medications you're taking, and your full health history. Avoid wearing eye makeup and be prepared to discuss your family’s eye health history.