Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain and the damaged nerve can lead to vision loss. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, here are the top questions you should ask your glaucoma specialist.
Question 1. Are there any symptoms associated with glaucoma?
Signs of glaucoma tend to show gradually. By the time any symptoms show up, the disease has reached an advanced stage. Here are some symptoms of glaucoma:
- Eye pain or pressure
- Halos around lights
- Low vision, blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red eyes
Question 2. What are the types of glaucoma and which type of glaucoma do I have?
There are two types of glaucoma:
- Open-angle glaucoma: It develops slowly and painlessly and there are often no early symptoms. Over time, open-angle glaucoma can steal your peripheral vision. If left untreated, open-glaucoma can lead to blindness.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma: It occurs when the angle between the iris and the cornea is too narrow. This can cause the iris to block the drainage canal of the eye, leading to an increase in intraocular pressure.
An eye doctor will conduct several tests to determine what type of glaucoma you suffer from.
Question 3. Do I need surgery to treat my glaucoma?
Surgery is recommended where treatment with eye drops or laser hasn’t been effective. Your glaucoma specialist will first try non-surgical treatments such as:
- Oral medication
- Medicated eye drops
Question 4: What type of surgery do I qualify for?
There are different types of glaucoma surgeries. A glaucoma specialist is the best person to suggest the most appropriate surgery. The aim of trabeculectomy and laser surgery is to open the eye’s drainage angle and let the fluid drain properly. This can help reduce the optic pressure and slow the progression of glaucoma.
Question 5: What are the risks of glaucoma surgery?
When considering glaucoma surgery, you should have a detailed discussion with your glaucoma specialist about the risks that you face. Risks may vary from one person to another, depending on the age and existing medical conditions.
Question 6: Is there anything I can do to prevent glaucoma?
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but following a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk of glaucoma or slow the progression of the disease.
- Quit smoking: It has been found that cigarette smokers are at high risk of developing glaucoma. If you smoke, quit smoking.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise helps to improve blood circulation which is good for overall physical health and ocular health. Exercising regularly may help reduce the chances of glaucoma.
- Eating healthy: Diet can influence intraocular pressure. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants which may help reduce the risk of glaucoma.
Note: As mentioned above glaucoma doesn’t have early warning signs. Therefore, it is best to get your eyes checked regularly. When detected early, appropriate treatment can help slow the damage.
Looking for a glaucoma specialist?
If you are browsing with the phrase “glaucoma specialist near me”, visit Disha Eye Hospitals. We have glaucoma specialists to help diagnose and treat glaucoma. To consult our glaucoma specialist, visit the nearest branch.