Glaucoma Treatment & Evaluation

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. Variables that may put you at a higher risk for glaucoma are: People 60 years or older, African Americans, and a family history of the disease. The best way to rule out glaucoma, and other eye diseases is to have regular dilated eye exams.

There is no cure for glaucoma, but with regular monitoring and proper treatment (prescription eye drops or sometimes surgery) a patient can lead a normal and productive life with little or no vision loss. Treating glaucoma successfully is a team effort between you and your doctor. Your ophthalmologist will prescribe your glaucoma treatment. It is up to you to follow your doctor’s instructions and use your eye drops, as well as keep your regularly scheduled appointments to monitor your glaucoma risk and minimize the progression of the disease.