Loss of Peripheral Vision

The most common form of the condition is open-angle glaucoma (also known as primary open-angle glaucoma), and it often presents no obvious symptoms until the disease has progressed. Over time, open-angle glaucoma causes irreversible blind spots in your peripheral vision.

Sudden Vision Changes

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, in contrast, occurs suddenly. Patients suffering from angle-closure glaucoma may experience intense eye pain, headaches, blurry vision, halos around lights, nausea, or vomiting. 

High Intraocular Pressure

Most forms of glaucoma cause higher-than-normal intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve. If you have high eye pressure, you are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma and should regularly attend eye exams.

Fluid Build-Up

Eye pressure is a delicate balance that is heavily influenced by aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the space between the cornea and the intraocular lens. When this fluid is overproduced or cannot properly drain from the eye, it causes increased eye pressure.

Pressure Damages the Optic Nerve

Over time, high intraocular pressure results in damage to the optic nerve. As the nerve deteriorates, blind spots begin to appear in your visual field. Left untreated, glaucoma eventually leads to blindness. In normal tension glaucoma (NTG), the optic nerve can become damaged in spite of normal intraocular pressure.

While you may not be able to prevent glaucoma entirely, there are steps you can take to detect it early and limit the effects on your vision.

Regular Eye Exams

Visiting our office at least once a year for an exam allows your doctor to identify warning signs of glaucoma and begin treatment early.

Exercise

Studies have shown that higher levels of physical activity may lower your risk of developing glaucoma. 

Avoid Smoking

Researchers have found a link between smoking and glaucoma. Avoiding tobacco products may help lower your risk of developing glaucoma.

Eye Drops

Typically, medicated eye drops are the first treatment option for less urgent forms of glaucoma. Depending on your needs, we may recommend a drop that reduces fluid production or one that improves the drainage process.

iStent

The iStent is placed during a minimally invasive surgery to help those with either angle-closure glaucoma or open-angle glaucoma (sometimes called primary open-angle glaucoma). We place two tiny devices into the trabecular meshwork, which is the tissue responsible for draining aqueous humor from your eye. This procedure can allow fluid to drain properly so you can maintain proper IOP.

SLT

Selective laser trabeculoplasty also helps fluid drain from your eye. After your eyes are numbed, a specialized laser opens the meshwork during this surgery to improve the flow of fluid.

Nutritional Options

When used alongside other treatments, a healthy diet can promote eye health. We can recommend types of foods, such as leafy greens and fish, that can help protect your vision.