January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for people over 60 years old. There is no cure, but early detection and treatment can slow the damage and prolong vision. It is estimated that 60 million people worldwide have glaucoma but only about half know they have it. It is described as a group of eye conditions that can cause vision, loss and blindness.
With all types of glaucoma, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain, the optic nerve, is damaged, usually due to high eye pressure.
Individuals, diagnosed with glaucoma may be presented with three treatment options:
• Medicine-prescription eyedrops are the most common treatment for glaucoma. The drop works by lowering pressure in the eye preventing damage to the optic nerve.
• Laser treatment- patients who receive laser therapy have conditions that are a little more advanced. Laser treatment is utilized to drain fluid out of the eye.
• Surgery-surgeries for glaucoma is a last resort after medicine and laser treatments have proven to be ineffective. Some people may even need to have the surgery repeated.

It is important to discuss all of these options with your doctor and to follow the treatment plan established to prolong sight.

Sources:
www.aao.org
www.register-herald.com
www.glaucoma.org

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