Glaucoma Treatment – Protect Your Vision for Life

Glaucoma treatment & prevention are essential steps in protecting your long-term eye health and preventing irreversible vision loss. Often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, typically due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Because it often progresses without noticeable symptoms until advanced stages, early detection and proactive management are key to preserving your vision. At Advanced Eye Care Center, we specialize in comprehensive glaucoma care, including early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and guidance on prevention strategies. Whether you’re at risk for glaucoma or already managing the condition, our team is here to help you take control of your eye health.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not a single disease but a group of related eye conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve. This nerve is crucial for sending visual information from your eye to your brain. When the optic nerve becomes damaged—often from increased pressure inside the eye—it can lead to permanent vision loss. There are several types of glaucoma, including:

• Open-angle glaucoma: The most common type, progressing slowly and painlessly.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: Less common but more severe, with sudden symptoms that require emergency care.
• Normal-tension glaucoma: Damage occurs even though eye pressure is within the normal range.
• Congenital glaucoma: A rare form seen in infants or young children.

Glaucoma Risk Factors

Knowing your risk factors is the first step in effective glaucoma prevention. While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase the risk:

• Age 60 or older
• Family history of glaucoma
• African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
• High intraocular pressure (IOP)
• Diabetes or high blood pressure
• Thin corneas
• Previous eye injuries
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications

Regular eye exams are especially important if you fall into any of these higher-risk categories.

Glaucoma Prevention – What You Can Do

While some risk factors for glaucoma are out of your control, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing the disease or slow its progression:

1. Schedule regular eye exams: Early detection is the most effective form of prevention. Adults over 40 should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years, or more frequently if they’re high risk.
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension can help reduce your risk.
3. Protect your eyes from injury: Wear protective eyewear during sports, construction work, or other high-risk activities.
4. Exercise regularly: Moderate exercise has been shown to help lower eye pressure.
5. Use medications as prescribed: If you have elevated eye pressure, adhering to prescribed treatments can prevent optic nerve damage.

Glaucoma Treatment

If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further optic nerve damage. At Advanced Eye Care Center, we offer a range of glaucoma treatment options, customized for each patient’s condition and lifestyle.

1. Prescription Eye Drops

Medicated eye drops are usually the first line of treatment. They help reduce IOP by decreasing fluid production in the eye or improving drainage.

2. Oral Medications

In some cases, oral medications are prescribed in addition to drops to further lower eye pressure.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser procedures like selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) or laser peripheral iridotomy can improve fluid drainage in the eye and are often effective for open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma.

4. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

MIGS procedures offer a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional surgeries and are often performed in combination with cataract surgery.

5. Traditional Surgery

When other treatments aren’t effective, options like trabeculectomy or drainage implants may be necessary to create new pathways for fluid drainage.

Why Choose Advanced Eye Care Center for Glaucoma Care?

Our team of experienced eye care professionals uses advanced diagnostic tools and treatment technologies to monitor and manage glaucoma at every stage. We work closely with each patient to develop a care plan that fits their specific type of glaucoma, overall health, and lifestyle needs.

Don’t Wait – Schedule a Glaucoma Screening Today

When it comes to glaucoma prevention and treatment, time is of the essence. The earlier the disease is detected, the better your chances of preserving your vision. Contact Advanced Eye Care Center today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and take the first step in protecting your sight for life.