Glaucoma is the culmination of several eye diseases. It destroys your optic nerve and can result in eventual vision loss. Your optic nerve is responsible for conveying images from your eyes to your brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, "glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness." There are many types of glaucoma, such as open-angle glaucoma and closed angle-glaucoma. Eye drops and medications are the primary treatments for glaucoma. However, if the disease isn't properly treated and advances far enough, surgery will be necessary.
The human eye
Types
One category of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, this condition affects nearly 3 million Americans.The aqueous humor is a fluid that is produced within your eyes. Also within your eyes are drainage canals that are responsible for consistently keeping the aqueous humor flowing. If you have open angle glaucoma, the drainage canals become clogged. Closed-angle glaucoma occurs when pressure develops in your eye due to blockage or when your iris bulges. In pigmentary glaucoma, eye pigmentation granules develop within your eye, which can then lead to visual disturbances. In low-tension glaucoma, the optic nerve becomes damaged even though the pressure within your eyes stays within the normal range.
Eye Drops
The primary treatment for glaucoma will begin with eye drops. It is important to remember that if your glaucoma is already progressively advanced, treatments cannot work. As with any medication, it is important to follow your physician's instructions, especially with eye care. Many glaucoma eye drops consist of beta blockers. Beta blockers are prescribed to reduce your production of aqueous humor. Other eye drops include alpha-agonists and carbonic . These types of eye drops help to reduce aqueous-humor production and help with drainage. Eye drops can cause many undesirable side effects such as dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth. If you're diabetic, you should not use beta-blocker eye drops, as side effects are worse.
Medications
Medications are used when eye drops cannot reduce your eye pressure. According to the Mayo Clinic, medications such as acetazolamide and methazolamide are prescribed for glaucoma. Both medications are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can cause many side effects, and taking the pills with food can help reduce any side effects experienced. However, if side effects become bothersome, such as severe fatigue, rash development, depression and lethargy, speak with your physician about discontinuing carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Neuroprotective Drugs
Neuroprotective drugs can help to preserve what vision you may have left as a result of glaucoma. Medications such as brimonidine and memantine are intended to prevent your optic nerves from developing further damage from glaucoma. Combination treatments may also be considered depending on the severity of your disease. It is important to discuss with your physician all potential treatments, as well as side effects, when considering your options.
Warnings
According to the Mayo Clinic, many supplemental forms of bilberry have been advertised as an effective treatment for glaucoma. When it comes to the care of your eyes, it is important to remember that alternative remedies cannot replace proven treatments. Even considering the use of supplements should be discussed with your health care provider.
Prevention/Solution
Protective eyewear for skiing
Receiving regular eye care cannot only catch glaucoma in its early stages, but early damage to can also be prevented. Eye exams should be conducted every two years until the age of 60. Once you reach 60, eye exams should be conducted every year. Always wear eye protection when engaging in high-contact sports (such as racquetball or skiing) or using power tools that can injure your eyes. Developing a serious eye injury can eventually lead to glaucoma.
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