Understanding Glaucoma: Early Detection and Treatment Options
Glaucoma affects more than 3 million Americans, yet many don’t know they have it until permanent vision loss has occurred. At Delaware Eye Care Centers, with locations throughout Delaware in Smyrna, Milford, Newark, and Dover, our doctors are committed to raising awareness about this “silent thief of sight” and providing state-of-the-art care for early detection and management.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage typically occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye, increasing internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure).
Without treatment, glaucoma can cause progressive, irreversible vision loss, beginning with peripheral (side) vision and potentially leading to complete blindness. What makes glaucoma particularly dangerous is that there are often no warning signs in the early stages.
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Understanding your risk factors is crucial for prevention. Delaware residents should be aware of these primary risk factors:
- Age over 60, though certain types can affect people in their 40s
- Family history of glaucoma
- African American, Hispanic, or Asian heritage
- High intraocular pressure
- Certain medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sickle cell anemia
- Previous eye injuries
- Long-term steroid medication use
- Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness
Types of Glaucoma
There are several forms of glaucoma, with the two most common being:
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form, developing gradually without pain or noticeable vision changes until advanced stages. By the time symptoms appear, some permanent vision loss has usually occurred.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Less common but can cause a sudden increase in eye pressure, requiring immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include severe eye pain, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing rainbow-colored rings around lights.
Early Detection Through Comprehensive Eye Exams
Because glaucoma often progresses without symptoms, regular eye examinations are essential. At Delaware Eye Care Centers, our comprehensive glaucoma screening includes:
- Tonometry: Measures internal eye pressure
- Visual field test: Assesses peripheral vision
- Dilated eye examination: Allows doctors to examine the optic nerve
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Creates detailed images of the optic nerve and retina
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, an important factor in evaluating eye pressure readings
For most adults, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years. However, those with risk factors may need more frequent monitoring.
Current Treatment Options
While vision lost to glaucoma cannot be restored, further damage can be prevented with early intervention. Treatment options available at our Delaware locations include:
- Prescription eye drops: Reduce eye pressure by either decreasing fluid production or improving drainage
- Oral medications: May be prescribed in conjunction with eye drops
- Laser therapy: Procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) improve drainage systems in the eye
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): Newer procedures with faster recovery times
- Traditional surgery: Creates new drainage channels when other treatments aren’t sufficient
Prevention and Management Tips
Our doctors recommend these strategies for all Delaware residents concerned about glaucoma:
- Know your family history and share it with your eye doctor
- Maintain regular eye examinations, especially if you have risk factors
- Take prescribed medications consistently as directed
- Protect your eyes from injury during sports and home projects
- Exercise moderately (with doctor approval) to help reduce eye pressure
- Limit caffeine intake, which can temporarily increase eye pressure
Expert Glaucoma Care Throughout Delaware
With multiple locations across the state in Smyrna, Milford, Newark, and Dover, Delaware Eye Care Centers provides convenient access to expert eye care. Our team of experienced doctors specializes in early detection, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans for glaucoma management.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—early detection is your best defense against vision loss from glaucoma. Contact Delaware Eye Care Centers today to schedule your comprehensive eye examination at the location nearest you.
