Glaucoma is a common disease that can cause vision impairment, making everyday tasks like driving and reading difficult. If left untreated, glaucoma can even lead to blindness. This condition is most frequently observed in adults over the age of 60 and can significantly impact their quality of life. Fortunately, treatment options are available that can slow down or alleviate many of the symptoms. Typically, treatment begins with medications and therapies. However, if these options do not yield the desired results, surgery is often recommended. Our team at Eye Site Texas in Houston & Katy would like to take a closer look at glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is, in fact, an umbrella term for a group of eye diseases that result in vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve located at the back of your eye. The condition can be caused by factors such as high eye pressure, high blood pressure, injury, or even poor diet. It is also not uncommon for the disease to have a genetic link.
Treatment plans are often determined through an eye exam where the doctor evaluates the progression of the disease. While eye drops and laser treatment can help reduce eye pressure, if the condition continues to worsen, surgery may be recommended to halt the progression and preserve your vision.
How Surgery Can Help Those With Glaucoma
There are several types of surgery that can be used to treat glaucoma. However, they all share the same objective: reducing the pressure in the eye. In most cases, the surgery is quick and typically performed on one eye at a time if both eyes require treatment.
Depending on the type of surgery recommended by your optometrist, you may have an implant inserted or an opening created to facilitate the drainage of fluid. However, with advances in technology, new minimally invasive methods have been discovered. Various types of minimally invasive surgery are available, and your doctor will recommend the one that best suits your needs, should it be an option.
As each patient is different, the success of the surgery may vary as well. Some individuals may benefit from a single surgery for the rest of their lives, while others may require additional surgery later on as the implant or incision begins to fail or close. For this reason, you will likely continue to have regular check-ups with your eye doctor to ensure further treatment is provided as soon as possible.
Visit an Optometrist Experienced in Glaucoma Treatment
To preserve your vision, it is essential to treat glaucoma promptly and effectively. This is why you need an eye doctor with experience. Are you looking for an eye doctor near you? Visit or call our team at Eye Site Texas in Houston & Katy today to learn more about how we can help or to schedule an appointment.