How Glaucoma Damages Vision
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve through elevated intraocular pressure or other mechanisms, progressively killing retinal ganglion cells. This damage typically occurs painlessly without noticed symptoms until significant vision loss occurs.
Screening and Early Detection
Regular eye pressure measurement and optic nerve evaluation detect glaucoma early when treatment prevents progression. Screening becomes increasingly important after age 60, with family history, or in at-risk populations.
Risk Factors
Age, family history, high intraocular pressure, thin corneas, and certain ethnicities increase glaucoma risk. African and Hispanic populations experience higher glaucoma incidence and more aggressive disease progression.
Pressure Management
Reducing intraocular pressure through medications or procedures slows or halts glaucoma progression. Multiple medication classes and surgical options exist, allowing individualized treatment based on disease severity and patient factors.
Medication Compliance
Glaucoma medications require consistent use to maintain pressure reduction. Missing doses allows pressure elevation and continued optic nerve damage. Setting reminders ensures medication consistency.
Laser and Surgical Options
Laser trabeculoplasty and other surgical interventions reduce intraocular pressure through different mechanisms. These procedures prevent or delay progression when medications prove insufficient.
Lifestyle Factors
Aerobic exercise, stress management, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking all support eye health. While these factors don't replace pressure-lowering treatments, they contribute to overall glaucoma management.