Glaucoma Treatment in Plantation, FL: Protecting Your Vision

Glaucoma refers to a set of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, a crucial component responsible for transmitting visual information from your eyes to your brain. The primary culprit behind the harm is typically an unusually high pressure within your eyes, known as intraocular pressure. This pressure increase can occur when the eye's fluid, known as aqueous humor, isn't circulating properly or isn't draining as it should. Over time, this excessive pressure can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, resulting in gradual vision loss. It's worth noting that glaucoma often presents no symptoms in its early stages, making regular eye exams crucial for early detection.

The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower the intraocular pressure, thereby slowing down or even preventing further optic nerve damage and subsequent vision loss. Several treatment options are available depending on the severity and type of glaucoma. Prescription eye drops are usually the first line of defense. These drops work by either reducing the formation of fluid in the eye or increasing its outflow. Oral medications may also be prescribed if eye drops alone aren't sufficient. In more severe cases, laser treatment or surgery may be necessary. Laser treatments aim to increase fluid outflow or stop fluid production, while various surgical procedures can create a new drainage channel for the fluid to leave the eye, effectively lowering the eye's internal pressure.