How Do We Treat Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the most debilitating eye conditions – damaging the optic nerve of the eye. The medical community has often linked it with the pressure that builds up in the eye with age. According to the CDC reports, over 3 million Americans suffer from this problem, which is also the second leading cause of blindness across the world.
Why Does Glaucoma Happen?
When pressure around your eye (intraocular pressure) increases, it presses on the optic nerve. Think of the nerve as a pipe and the electrical signals as water. A squeezed pipe can’t efficiently move water from one place to another. In the same way, pressure on the optic nerve prevents electrical signals from moving from the eye to the brain. And as that pressure continues to build, the vision issues worsen. In the next few years, permanent vision loss becomes a possibility.
The problem is that this issue has no early symptoms or pain. Your best bet is to visit an eye doctor regularly and get glaucoma treatment in Tampa; get started as early as you can.
What Are The Different Causes of Glaucoma?
Here are some of the common causes of glaucoma:
Blockage in the Eye
The aqueous humor – eye fluid – flows out of the eye via a mesh-like channel. If this channel is blocked, the fluid cannot get out, which results in pressure build-up. Blockages are often inherited.
Physical Trauma
A less common cause of glaucoma is physical trauma. More often than not, an eye injury can cause blockage, leading to this issue.
Infections and Inflammations
Severe eye infections are known to block the blood vessels of your eyes; the same goes for inflammation.
Misdone Eye Surgery
Eye surgery is sometimes not that foolproof. While making one condition better, it can make another one worse.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
It becomes highly likely for you to get glaucoma if you fall under the following risk factors:
- You’re of Irish, African American, Japanese, Scandinavian or Inuit descent.
- You have a family history of glaucoma.
- You already have myopia or hypermetropia.
- You’re already dealing with poor vision.
- You’re on steroid medications.
- You’re on medications to deal with bladder control or seizure issues.
- You’ve been injured in the eye before.
- Pressure has already started to build up in your eye.
- You suffer from hypertension, diabetes, or sickle cell anemia.
How Do We Treat Glaucoma?
The best eye doctor in Tampa offers a wide array of eye treatments, comprising of:
Eyedrops
Eyedrops are given at the start of glaucoma, aiming to reduce the eye pressure and drain the blocked fluids. Prescription eyedrops consist of beta blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, rho kinase inhibitors, prostaglandins, and more.
Oral medication
If the eyedrops prove ineffective, our doctors focus on oral medication, such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Surgery
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, or your Glaucoma case is severe, we recommend surgery. Our surgical options focus on draining the eye fluid and lowering the pressure. Our surgical solutions include drainage tubes, filtering surgery, laser therapy, or MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery).
Visit an Eye Specialist in Tampa Today
Eye health directly correlates to your overall health. Whether it is for a routine checkup or something more severe, like cataracts or glaucoma treatment in Tampa, Everyone should see an eye specialist regardless of the quality of their eyesight.
If you are experiencing headaches, blurry vision, or haven’t seen a doctor in over a year, schedule an appointment today with the best eye specialists in Tampa.
Additional Resources
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