Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can harm your vision. Understanding glaucoma and how to manage it is important for keeping your eyes healthy. This guide will help you learn about glaucoma, its symptoms, and how to treat it.

What is Glaucoma?

It is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, which sends images to the brain. Most cases happen because of high pressure in the eye.

Types of Glaucoma

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is the most common type. It usually develops slowly, and you may not notice symptoms until you lose some vision.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This type happens suddenly and is an emergency. It occurs when the drainage angle in the eye closes quickly, raising eye pressure fast.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Many people don’t have symptoms in the early stages. Watch for these signs:

• Losing side (peripheral) vision
• Tunnel vision (only seeing straight ahead)
• Seeing halos around lights
• Eye pain (in some cases)
• Redness in the eye

Why Early Detection Matters

Finding this diesis early is key to keeping your vision. Regular eye exams can catch the disease before it causes major problems.

How it is Diagnosed?

Eye doctors use several tests to check for glaucoma:

• Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eye.
• Visual Field Test: Checks your side vision.
• Optic Nerve Assessment: Looks for damage to the optic nerve.
• Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea.

How to Manage Glaucoma

While there is no cure for it, you can manage it well. Here are some ways:

1. Eye Drops

Most people start with prescription eye drops. These help lower eye pressure. Always use them as your doctor says.

2. Laser Treatments

Laser therapy helps improve fluid drainage from the eye. This can lower eye pressure. Types of laser treatments include:

• Laser Trabeculoplasty: Used for open-angle.
• Laser Iridotomy: Used for angle-closure.

3. Surgery

If other treatments don’t work, surgery might be needed. This creates a new drainage path for fluid, lowering eye pressure.

4. Regular Check-Ups

Visit your eye doctor regularly to check your condition. They will check your eye pressure and vision changes.

Healthy Habits for Eye Health

Also to treatments, making healthy choices helps your eyes:

• Eat Well: Include fruits, vegetables, and fish in your diet.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water daily.
• Exercise: Regular activity can help lower eye pressure.
• Don’t Smoke: Smoking can increase it’s risk.
• Limit Caffeine: Too much caffeine may raise eye pressure.

When to See a Doctor

If you have risk factors for glaucoma, like a family history or high eye pressure, get regular eye exams. Even if you feel fine, checkups are important, especially after age 40.

It is a serious condition, but early detection and proper management can protect your vision. Regular eye exams, following your treatment plan, and healthy lifestyle choices are essential for maintaining eye health. Stay informed about your vision!