The new year tends to bring a focus on our health, and for older adults that should include a focus on our eyes. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, shining a light on a condition that affects more than 3 million people in the U.S., and the need for regular eye exams to diagnose the condition early.
Glaucoma occurs when pressure inside the eye is elevated for a length of time, causing damage to the optic nerve in the back of the eye. The nerve fibers that carry vision to the brain are gradually damaged and vision loss occurs.
“There is no cure for glaucoma, but if it’s caught early, you can prevent vision loss,” says Dr. Paul Kuck, board-certified ophthalmologist with Physicians Regional Medical Group. “Glaucoma is usually asymptomatic and more common with age and can happen in one or both eyes. This is why ophthalmologists recommend more frequent routine eye checks as you get older.”
Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive disease and patients often do not notice peripheral vision loss until it is advanced. Elevated pressure in the eye does not cause symptoms or pain unless it rises suddenly to very high levels.
Prevention of glaucoma is challenging, but patients can be aware of family history and have regular eye examinations. Risk factors for glaucoma include:
. Age over 60, especially if you are Hispanic/Latino
. Age over 40 if you are African American
. A family history of glaucoma
. Foods high in trans fats (fried foods) have been shown to cause damage to the optic nerve
If glaucoma is found, the good news is that it is treatable with medications as well as laser options and surgical treatments for advanced cases. Once diagnosed, the major goal of treatment is to stop or slow down any further worsening of optic nerve damage by lowering intraocular pressure.
According to Dr. Kuck, prescription eye drops are the most common treatment. They lower the pressure in your eye and prevent damage to your optic nerve. Glaucoma eye drops won’t cure glaucoma or reverse vision loss, but they can keep glaucoma from getting worse.
Laser treatment can also be used to lower eye pressure. Ophthalmologists can use a specific laser to help the fluid drain out of your eye. Laser treatment works very well for most people, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Dr. Kuck says patients may not see results from the laser treatment for up to four to six weeks. Most people will need to keep taking glaucoma medicine even after laser treatment, but in lesser amounts, Kuck says.
Another laser treatment that may be used for moderate to severe glaucoma passes energy through the eye wall and causes some destruction of the tissue that makes the fluid, thus decreasing the pressure inside the eye. Recent articles have shown that it can decrease pressure by 30% to 50%. However, the procedure causes post-op pain and significant inflammation, so is usually reserved when other treatments have failed.
If glaucoma drops and laser treatment haven’t helped to lower pressure, surgery may be recommended. Surgery doesn’t cure glaucoma or undo vision loss, but the goal is to lower the pressure and stop vision loss from getting worse.
Be sure to have your eyes checked regularly and voice your concerns to an ophthalmologist.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuck,call 239-348-4332 or visit https://www.physiciansregional.com/find-a-doctor/kuck-paul-md-30774
Physician Regional Medical Group
8340 Collier Blvd, Suite 402
Naples , FL 34119