Posted by: Eye Care of La Jolla in Glaucoma on January 14, 2025
It’s January, the start of a new year filled with fresh resolutions and opportunities. While you’re setting goals for your health, career, or personal growth, have you considered giving your eyes the attention they deserve? January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
What You Need to Know About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it can slowly damage your eyes without any noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. In the United States alone, over 3 million people have glaucoma, but only about half know they have it. Globally, this number jumps to a staggering 60 million.
Glaucoma isn’t just an “older person’s disease.” While the risk increases with age, it can affect anyone, including infants and young adults. However, the most common forms primarily impact those over 60.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Fortunately, glaucoma is manageable, especially when caught early. Treatments range from prescription eye drops to laser treatments and surgery. The key to successful management is regular eye exams, which can detect the disease in its early stages
Medications
- Prescription Eye Drops: Prostaglandin analogs or beta-blockers are commonly prescribed to reduce.
- Combination Drops: In more severe cases, multiple medications may be combined for better IOP control.
Laser Treatments
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): A non-invasive procedure that enhances fluid drainage from the eye.
- Laser Iridotomy: Specifically for angle-closure glaucoma, this procedure creates a small opening in the iris to improve fluid flow.
Surgery
- Trabeculectomy: This surgical procedure creates a new drainage pathway for excess fluid.
- Glaucoma Drainage Devices: Tiny shunts are implanted to help drain fluid and lower IOP.
Emerging Technologies
- iDose: An implantable drug delivery system that provides sustained IOP reduction by slowly releasing medication over months or even years, reducing the need for daily eye drops and improving adherence.
- MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery): Techniques like the iStent or Hydrus Microstent offer less invasive options for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise: Maintaining overall health through diet and exercise can help manage risk factors associated with glaucoma.
Early detection is the most powerful tool we have against glaucoma. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now is the perfect time to schedule one. A comprehensive eye exam is quick, painless, and can be life-changing.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take charge of your eye health this Glaucoma Awareness Month. Whether you’re at high risk or simply due for a check-up, regular eye exams can make all the difference in catching glaucoma early and protecting your vision.
Make your vision a priority this January. Call us at (858) 457-3050 or click the button below to schedule your comprehensive eye exam. Let’s make 2025 a year of clear, healthy sight!
