The optic nerve is made up of many nerve fibers that carry images to the brain. It’s like an electric cable containing numerous wires. When glaucoma damages the optic nerve fibers, blind spots develop. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma in the United States. Typically, open-angle glaucoma has no symptoms in its early stages, and vision remains normal.
As the optic nerve becomes more damaged, blank spots begin to appear in your field of vision. You typically won’t notice these blank spots in your day-to-day activities until the optic nerve is significantly damaged and these spots become large. If all the optic nerve fibers die, blindness results.
Glaucoma Treatment Options
Treatment can prevent vision loss, but as a rule damage caused by glaucoma is irreversible.
Eyedrops, laser surgery, and conventional surgery can help prevent further damage. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed.
Glaucoma is usually controlled with eyedrops taken daily. These medications lower eye pressure, either by decreasing the amount of fluid produced within the eye or by improving the flow through the drainage angle.
While these medications can preserve your vision, they may also have side effects. You should tell your ophthalmologist if you think you might be experiencing side effects.
Some eyedrops may cause:
* stinging or itching;
* red eyes or redness of the skin around the eyes;
* changes in pulse and heartbeat;
* changes in energy level;
* changes in breathing (especially with asthma or emphysema);
* dry mouth;
* changes in sense of taste;
* headaches;
* blurred vision;
* change in eye color.
All medications can have side effects or can interact with other medications. Therefore, it is important that you make a list of the medications you take regularly and share this list with each doctor you see.
With any type of glaucoma, periodic examinations are very important to prevent vision loss. Because glaucoma can progress without you noticing, changes to your treatment may be necessary from time to time.
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