How Is Glaucoma Treated?
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Glaucoma Expert in Henderson NV
Eye exams are crucial for catching eye diseases early and preventing severe vision loss. Glaucoma is one of the many eye diseases that can be significantly slowed or prevented with early detection. Generally speaking, the effects of glaucoma cannot be reversed, but several treatment options can help you preserve your vision. Dr. Noll is a glaucoma expert who provides top-notch glaucoma treatment in Henderson, NV.
What Is Glaucoma
Glaucoma is when the optic nerve in the eye gets damaged. This happens when the eye is not able to drain the aqueous humor. The aqueous humor is the liquid in the eye, and it is supposed to drain at the same rate it fills up. However, there will be fluid build-up when the drainage angle does not work correctly. The pressure from the excess amount of aqueous humor causes the optic nerve to get damaged and die, causing blind spots in your vision. Optic nerve problems are often one of the leading causes of blindness for people over 60.
Types of Glaucoma
The two major types of glaucoma are primary open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the more common kind of glaucoma where the eye slowly does not drain as fast as it should. This is generally painless and can go undetected without routine eye exams. People who have sensitive optic nerves affected by normal eye pressure tend to be at a higher risk of glaucoma. A regular eye exam is important for detecting the signs of optic nerve problems early.
Closed-angle glaucoma is when the iris, the color part of the eye, is too close to the drainage angle. When the iris gets too close, it can end up blocking the drainage angle, which leads to the rapid build-up of pressure. The build-up of pressure comes instantaneously, and it is called an acute attack. Acute attacks are severe medical emergencies. If you experience one, you need to contact your ophthalmologist immediately to prevent losing your vision. Symptoms of acute angle-glaucoma attack include blurry vision, severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and rainbow-colored rings.
Treatment Plans
How your doctor decides to treat glaucoma largely depends on the type of glaucoma you have. For example, open-angle glaucoma is mainly treated with eye drops. Laser and surgery are other options if eye drops do not seem to help.
Eyedrops
Eye drops are used to help reduce the pressure in your eyes. They can usually be used between 1 to 4 times a day, but it is important to always use them as directed. Eye drops are generally the first treatment used to stop the effects of glaucoma.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is a common step after eye drops. In laser treatment, a high-energy light beam is precisely aimed towards parts of your eye so the fluid will stop building up. The most common laser treatments include laser trabeculoplasty, cyclodiode laser treatment, and laser iridotomy. If you live in the Henderson area, search for the ‘best glaucoma doctor near me,’ you will find Dr. Aimee Noll. She can let you know if one of these options is right for you.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely recommended for glaucoma, but it can be an option if laser or eye drops are ineffective. Trabeculectomy is the most common type of glaucoma surgery, and it involves the input of an eye drainage tube. This allows the fluid to drain out more quickly.
Book an appointment at (702) 665-4960.
