Glaucoma is a serious ocular condition that affects the eye’s optic nerves, which are responsible for sending images to the brain. This surprisingly common disease is usually preceded by elevated intraocular pressure, making it easy for patients who are conscientious about heading in for routine eye exams to receive an early diagnosis and begin treatment before irreversible damage is done. Receiving a diagnosis of glaucoma can be frightening, but it can help to understand Glaucoma Treatment in Green Bay WI and what it entails. Read on to find out more.
Treatment of Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease. It can be treated by lowering intraocular pressure via improved drainage of the aqueous humor or decreasing fluid production. Medications are available that can help patients achieve normal intraocular pressure, and both traditional and laser surgeries can be performed to improve aqueous drainage.
These treatments have been proven to be effective in most cases. However, it’s essential that patients follow all of their eye doctors’ instructions regarding administration of eye drops and medications. Any damage that has already been done by glaucoma before beginning treatment cannot be reversed, so it’s essential to stick with the treatment plan that has been prescribed.
Treatment of Closed-Angle Glaucoma
Unlike chronic open-angle glaucoma, acute closed-angle glaucoma tends to set in quite suddenly. This sudden increase in intraocular pressure can manifest itself as pain and redness in the eye and, if it is not relieved quickly, the condition can lead to almost immediate blindness. The positive side to closed-angle glaucoma is that treatments aimed at alleviating it, usually laser treatment, do not require long-term therapy.
Get Started Today
As noted above, glaucoma can be treated, but only if it is caught before blindness sets in. Patients should not expect to experience a restoration of vision they have lost, but Glaucoma Treatment in Green Bay WI can go a long way toward preventing further damage. Those who are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, such as loss of peripheral vision, red eyes, nausea, pain in the eye, or fuzziness surrounding lights, should head in for an exam as soon as possible to avoid additional vision loss. Visit greenappleeye.com to learn about one local office that can help today.
