Glaucoma is often referred to as the "sneak thief of vision" because it can slowly damage your eyes without any noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Understanding what glaucoma does to your eyes and the available treatment options can help protect your vision proactively.
What Damage Does Glaucoma Cause?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss.
Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
In a healthy eye, a clear fluid called aqueous humor flows in and out of the eye, maintaining optimal pressure. In glaucoma, the drainage system within the eye becomes inefficient, leading to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This pressure can damage the optic nerve over time.
Optic Nerve Damage
The optic nerve transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. High IOP can compress and damage the nerve fibers, leading to gradual vision loss, starting with peripheral vision. As the condition progresses, central vision can also be affected.
Symptoms to Watch For
While glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, some signs may indicate the presence of the condition:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache
Treatment Options for Glaucoma in Bloomfield
Early detection through regular eye exams is crucial for managing glaucoma effectively. At ReFocus Eye Health in Bloomfield, we offer a range of treatments to help control intraocular pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage.
Glaucoma Surgery
For advanced cases of glaucoma where medication and laser treatments are insufficient, traditional glaucoma surgery may be necessary. Procedures like trabeculectomy create a new drainage pathway for the aqueous humor, reducing eye pressure and protecting the optic nerve.
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) has gained popularity as a less-invasive alternative to traditional surgery. MIGS procedures involve tiny incisions and devices to improve fluid drainage, offering a quicker recovery time and fewer complications. Common MIGS options include:
- iStent: A tiny implant that helps to improve fluid outflow and reduce IOP.
- Trabectome: A device that removes a small section of the trabecular meshwork to enhance fluid drainage.
- XEN Gel Stent: A soft, gel-like implant that creates a new drainage channel.
Recovering From MIGS
MIGS is quickly becoming the preferred method for treating glaucoma because of the following benefits:
Less Invasive
It is designed to minimize tissue damage and reduce the risk of complications compared to traditional surgeries.
Quicker Recovery
Patients typically experience a faster recovery period, allowing them to return to their daily activities sooner.
Effective Pressure Reduction
MIGS can effectively lower intraocular pressure and preserve vision, making it a valuable option for many glaucoma patients.
Trust ReFocus Eye Health for Comprehensive Glaucoma Care
Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalized care for glaucoma patients. Whether you're managing early-stage glaucoma or require advanced surgical intervention, we offer the latest treatments to help protect your vision.
Don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our glaucoma specialists today to learn how we can help you maintain healthy vision.