Is Glaucoma Treatable?

“Is Glaucoma Treatable?” This is the fourth question on our newest blog mini-series, Glaucoma Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles specializes in the treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. As Medical Director of the Anne Arundel Eye Center, Dr. Boles as helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. He is also passionate about educating patients and their families about the various eye diseases they may be afflicted with.

If you have read any of our previous blogs in our mini-series “Glaucoma Frequently Asked Questions” on heredity, vision loss, and prevention, then you have probably seen us throw around the following statistic. Glaucoma treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more, especially if the condition is caught early. The last part is the key: “if caught early.” While there is no cure for glaucoma and vision loss is irreversible, treatment can help slow the progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma treatment can normalize the intraocular pressure (IOP) and prevent or hinder further nerve damage and visual loss.

Remember, glaucoma also progresses with no initial symptoms, so it is important to see your eye doctor regularly. Early detection of glaucoma can lead to earlier, simpler and more effective treatment. If left untreated, glaucoma can and does lead to total blindness.

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma treatment may involve the use of eye drops, pills (rarely), laser, or surgery. Remember, glaucoma is a lifelong disease and high IOP must be managed every day. Regular visits to your eye doctor and adhering to the prescribed medication regimen offer the best chance for preserving vision.

If you have any questions about our blog, “Is Glaucoma Treatable?” or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Sources:

Frequently asked questions about Glaucoma WebMD