Ocular Disease Management

Glaucoma symptoms, diagnosis, and how it impacts vision

You have probably heard of the term glaucoma but may be unaware of what the condition is and what the diagnosis entails. Rather than just one disease, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. The optic nerve is a bundle of nerve fibers that carry signals from the eyes to the brain, with one stemming from each eye. Damage to the optic nerve can, therefore, result in vision loss. Glaucoma often has no symptoms or warning signs early on, which makes it quite dangerous as it is difficult to detect without a comprehensive eye exam. Our doctors use a high-tech photo scanning device called the OCT Maestro. This device scans the back of the eye and optic nerve to provide an accurate image and detect glaucoma, even on microscopic levels. This allows our doctors to begin treatment in the disease’s early stages.

There are many types of glaucoma, including normal-tension glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and the most common form, open-angle glaucoma. This type causes pressure to build up in the eye, which over time damages the optic nerve. It often happens so slowly that glaucoma patients lose vision before they become aware an issue is present. Patients typically identify a problem and seek out eye care when they begin to notice blind spots in their peripheral vision.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60 and the second-leading cause of blindness worldwide. Fifty percent of people with glaucoma don’t even know they have the disease, which is why regular eye exams are so important. With glaucoma and other similar conditions, our doctors are often able to detect and recommend treatment before symptoms even begin. If you notice spots in your vision or have difficulty viewing objects in your peripheral view, call our office and schedule an appointment right away.

There is no way to prevent glaucoma from occurring, but there are certain factors that can make it more likely to develop. Patients over the age of 60 who have a family history of glaucoma or have medical conditions like diabetes and heart disease may be more likely to develop the condition.

Eye care treatment, and when surgery is necessary

While glaucoma is a serious disease, it is manageable with proper care and sometimes surgery. Glaucoma treatment involves lowering the pressure on the eye that is causing damage to the optic nerve. Our doctors will assess your individual case progression and treatment needs to decide which course of management is right for you.

Prescription eye drops are the most common way to treat the condition and are often the first treatment prescribed after diagnosis. Oral medications may also be prescribed. If further care is needed, our doctors may refer you to an ophthalmologist for laser treatment or glaucoma surgery. Laser treatment helps to drain fluid from the eye, which relieves the pressure that’s damaging the optic nerve. Surgery is typically reserved for advanced cases or when medication and laser options do not work.

The difference between glaucoma and cataracts

Glaucoma and cataracts are both eye conditions that become more common with age and can be treated with surgery, but they are different in cause and impact. While glaucoma is caused by a buildup of fluid that causes pressure in the eye and damages the optic nerve, cataracts are caused by an accumulation of broken-down proteins in the lens of the eye. Over time, these proteins can stick together, forming clumps that can block or distort your vision by clouding the lens. These clumps are known as cataracts, the number one cause of vision loss in the world. Visit our Cataract Treatment Carlsbad, CA page to learn more about cataracts.