Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision, and can lead to vision loss or blindness. It is often linked to high pressure inside the eye, though it can occur even with normal eye pressure. Glaucoma can affect people of any age but is more common in older adults, and because it often develops slowly without early symptoms, vision changes may not be noticed until later stages.

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma. Knowing these risks helps with early detection and prevention.

• Age: People over 60 are more prone to glaucoma, though it can occur at any age. Aging eyes are more vulnerable to optic nerve damage.
• Family History: If someone in your family has glaucoma, your chances are higher, suggesting a genetic link.
• Prolonged Steroid Use: Long-term steroid medications can elevate eye pressure, contributing to glaucoma risk.
• Eye Injuries Or Previous Eye Surgery: Damage or surgical procedures can interfere with fluid drainage, raising eye pressure.
• Medical Conditions: Diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems can increase susceptibility to glaucoma.
• Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians are at greater risk for specific types of glaucoma, making regular screenings especially important.
• High Eye Pressure (Ocular Hypertension): Elevated pressure in the eye can strain the optic nerve over time, even if vision seems normal.
• Thin Corneas: People with thinner central corneal thickness may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, as the eye is more sensitive to pressure changes.

Glaucoma can’t be fully cured, but early detection and treatment can protect vision. Treatment depends on the glaucoma type, eye pressure, nerve damage, and overall health, and includes several effective options.

Medications (Eye Drops or Oral Drugs): Eye drops are usually the first line of treatment. They work by lowering eye pressure either by reducing fluid production or helping fluid drain more effectively. Oral medications may also be prescribed in some cases. Regular use is essential, and doctors often tailor the type and timing to suit your lifestyle.

Laser Therapy: Laser procedures can improve drainage of eye fluid or reduce fluid production, helping to lower eye pressure. For example, laser trabeculoplasty is often used for open-angle glaucoma, while laser iridotomy is used for angle-closure glaucoma. These procedures are usually quick, outpatient treatments with minimal discomfort.

Surgery: When medications and laser therapy aren’t enough, surgical options can create a new drainage channel or improve fluid outflow to reduce eye pressure. Common surgeries include trabeculectomy and drainage implants. Surgery is more invasive but can be very effective in preventing further optic nerve damage.

Lifestyle And Monitoring: Although lifestyle changes cannot cure glaucoma, maintaining overall eye health can support treatment. This includes regular eye exams, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, exercising moderately, and avoiding smoking. Monitoring your vision and adhering to treatment plans is key to protecting your sight.