What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition brought about by an increase in pressure in the eye. This condition can result in blurred, double vision, and total loss of sight if the condition is not treated properly. There are two types of glaucoma, open angle and closed angle glaucoma. Closed angle glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that causes significant pain which causes patients to request medical help quickly before the condition can progress. Open angle glaucoma is harder to identify; patients usually become aware that they have this condition when the disease has developed to a significant level.

The Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Open angle glaucoma is the silent type of glaucoma. This type does not cause any bouts of pain and is characterized by the gradual loss and failure of vision.

Closed angle glaucoma is characterized by sudden pain, red eye, vomiting, nausea, and seeing halos around lights.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

The treatment for glaucoma depends on the type and severity of the condition. The best way for you to know which treatment option you need is to see an eye doctor. Treatment options may vary from eye drops, traditional glaucoma surgery, and laser eye surgery. Even though there are different forms of treatment for glaucoma, the main purpose is the same, to lessen the pressure on your eyes and to preserve the vision that your eyes currently have.

What to expect after glaucoma treatment

All treatment options for glaucoma are conducted with anesthesia to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible and that the procedure is a pleasant one. Patients are required to spend a few hours resting in the clinic where the treatment is conducted before going home. Plenty of rest and sleep partnered with regular checkups after your treatment will ensure that you are healing properly and will also enable your eye doctor to evaluate whether you are healing properly. Some patients may experience blurred vision, but this should clear up within 6 weeks or less.

How Laser Treatment for Glaucoma Works

Laser treatment for glaucoma works by emitting a tiny light beam which helps your eyes to drain fluids easily. This helps relieve pressure on your eyes, lessening the pain and discomfort. The lasers work by either creating holes or causing clogged areas to shrink, and the whole procedure is usually done in the outpatient section of hospitals or clinics. Laser treatment for glaucoma may be performed either on one or both eyes.

Patients are able to see immediately after the procedure, but may experience a gritty feeling in their eyes. The patient’s eyes may also feel swollen and itchy, but these symptoms usually last only for a day or two. Some patients may also need to take their glaucoma medicines even after the laser treatment has been completed.

As mentioned earlier, laser treatment is not always the best option for treating glaucoma. There are several factors which determine if laser treatment is the best way to treat the condition. The factors that determine whether laser treatment is right for you are your age, the type of glaucoma you have, if you have any other conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and if you have ever had laser treatment done for your glaucoma. An eye specialist will be the best person to determine whether you need laser treatment for your eyes, or if you should be receiving eye drops or the traditional eye surgery for glaucoma.

If your vision has already failed, laser surgery will not help in restoring your vision. However, it will help in preventing further loss of your eyesight. Glaucoma is a progressive disease which will eventually lead to blindness. If not treated soon enough, it will lead to complete blindness.

During the treatment process, patients will see flashes of colored light and may feel a stinging sensation. A special type of contact lens may be used in order to help direct the laser beam towards the correct part of your eyes. Patients are usually able to resume their normal activities the day after laser treatment; although it may take up to 4 weeks before the pressure in your eyes completely drop.

The best way to determine which glaucoma treatment is right for you is to consult an eye specialist and get your eyes evaluated. The procedure called eye surgery laser definitely helps in lessening the pressure in your eyes, and also allows you to get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible. Your eye doctor will inform you if you need laser eye surgery.