General Information About Glaucoma Treatment Options Important Vision Information

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The disease of glaucoma covers a group of eye diseases that can lead to blindness. Unfortunately, in the early stages, there may even be no symptoms. It has been estimated that half of the people who have glaucoma dont know it.

There are many causes of glaucoma. As a whole, glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve which causes the blindness that is to follow. There is no cure for glaucoma but there are many treatment options available to slow the progression of the disease allowing the patient to keep their site for as long as possible.

The type of treatment needed depends on the type of glaucoma a patient has and the degree it has evolved to. There are five types of glaucoma and the treatment depends on the type of glaucoma the patient has:

1. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma
- Most common type
- No symptoms or early warning signs
- Treatment: Responds well to medication if caught early

2. Angle Closure Glaucoma
- Also known as acute glaucoma or narrow angle glaucoma
- A simple test determines this type of glaucoma
- Treatment usually will require surgery

3. Normal Tension Glaucoma
- Also known as low-tension glaucoma or normal pressure glaucoma
- The optic nerve is damaged even when intraocular pressure is not high
- Treatment has been successful with eye drops

4. Secondary Glaucoma
- Results from an eye injury, tumor or advanced cases of cataract or diabetes
- It may be mild or severe
- Treatment includes surgery or eye drops depending on severity

5. Pediatric Glaucoma
- Congenital, present at birth
- Generally diagnosed within the first year of life
- Treatment options vary greatly depending on severity


As with all areas of medicine, the study of eye diseases and the treatment thereof, including glaucoma, continue at an intense pace in order to try to prevent and treat this serious eye disease. Because there is no cure and because treatment will likely only delay blindness, it is important to have regular annual eye examinations even if the patient is not a patient who wears glasses. It is a simple test that can save a patients sight for as long as possible.

About the Author:
For treatment of glaucoma in Kansas, visit the Kansas ophthalmologist and Missouri vision correction doctor at Cavanaugh Eye Center.



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