Glaucoma is a dangerous eye condition that can cause irreversible damage. However, treatment and frequent checkups can help delay or prevent vision loss, especially if the condition is caught early. At Reeve Woods Eye Center in Chico, CA, our ophthalmologist provides treatment options to help you manage your glaucoma symptoms and preserve your sight.
The condition progresses through five different stages displaying different glaucoma symptoms. They include:
Stage 1: Glaucoma develops when your eye’s drainage system is disrupted, resulting in increased intraocular pressure.
Stage 2: When you first feel a change in your system, whether it is eye discomfort or hazy vision, you are at stage two.
Stage 3: This is the stage where there is a significant increase in eye pressure.
Stage 4: This is a crucial stage where there is damage to the optic nerve, requiring the immediate attention from our ophthalmologist.
Stage 5: The glaucoma victim starts experiencing vision loss.
All glaucoma treatments aim at lowering eye pressure. Depending on your stage, treatments may include oral medications, surgery, laser treatment, prescription eye drops, or a combination of any of these.
Prescription Eye Drops
This is the most preferred treatment for the early stages of glaucoma. It can help reduce eye pressure by minimizing the amount of fluid your eye produces. Examples of eye drop medications for glaucoma include beta-blockers, prostaglandins, miotic agents, and more.
Surgery and Therapies
For more advanced stages of glaucoma, there are treatments, such as laser therapy, implants, and several surgical procedures. Laser therapy is where our ophthalmologist uses a small laser to open clogged channels of a patient with open-angle glaucoma.
Apart from visiting our eye doctor for regular eye care, you can also adopt the following home remedies to help manage high eye pressure:
Eat a healthy diet
Frequently drink fluids
Minimize your caffeine
Exercise regularly
Sleep with your head elevated to reduce eye pressure
If you feel eye discomfort, develop hazy vision, or feel other glaucoma symptoms, it is vital to seek treatment as soon as possible. At Reeve Woods Eye Center in Chico, CA, our ophthalmologist provides treatment options and will help you manage your glaucoma symptoms. Call us today to schedule an appointment.