FAQ’s

The most common type is open-angle glaucoma. This progressive condition usually begins with a gradual loss of peripheral vision. While there is no cure for glaucoma, detection and treatment can prevent further damage and protect vision.

A buildup of fluid in the eye. In most glaucoma cases, this buildup happens when the eye’s drainage canals don’t work properly. Fluid accumulates gradually, and the effects of this pressure can go unnoticed for years. But over time, this fluid damages the eye’s optic nerve, which carries sensory impulses from the eye to the brain. This can sometimes lead to irreversible blindness.

While you can’t reverse the damage caused by glaucoma, treatment can slow its progression by lowering fluid pressure inside the eye. Prescription eye drops, often the initial treatment, can improve the eye’s ability to drain fluid. Oral medications can help lower eye pressure. Your ophthalmologist may also recommend laser therapy or filtering surgery to improve drainage.

With early detection and proper management, glaucoma won’t disrupt your everyday activities. In most cases, glaucoma is not a precursor to blindness. The condition, however, requires care and regular visits with eye-care professionals.

Managing glaucoma often includes taking eye drops throughout the day. Contrary to popular belief, people with glaucoma don’t need to “rest” their eyes. Activities that require up-close focusing, such as reading, computer work, and sewing, exercise and strengthen muscles inside the eyes.

None of today’s treatments can reverse the vision loss caused by glaucoma, but treatment is highl effective in preserving your remaining sight. Most people can resume their daily activities the day after laser treatment, though you have to wait from four to six weeks for your eye-care professional to gauge the treatment’s effectiveness. With surgery, it could take anywhere from days to weeks for optimal vision to return.