Can Eye Drops Help Treat Glaucoma Symptoms?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause blindness or vision loss by damaging the optic nerve in the back of the eye. There are different ways to treat glaucoma, but the most common treatment is prescription eye drops. They work by lowering the pressure in the eye structure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. While glaucoma eye drops won't improve your vision, they will prevent the condition from getting worse. Discover how eye drops are used to manage glaucoma from the experienced ophthalmologists at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve. It happens when fluid builds up and increases pressure inside the eye. As the optic nerve slowly deteriorates, blind spots can develop in a person's visual field. Symptoms are generally unnoticeable until the later stages but can include blurry vision, eye pain, nausea, and headaches. If left untreated, the abnormal pressure buildup inside the eye can lead to vision loss or blindness. While there are different ways to treat glaucoma, like laser surgery or MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery), prescription eye drops are usually the first line of defense to keep the disorder from progressing.

How can eye drops help glaucoma?

Glaucoma is treated by lowering the intraocular pressure created in the eyes by this disease. Depending on each patient's situation, glaucoma treatment may include oral medications, laser treatment, eye drops, surgery, or a combination of all these options. However, the initial treatment of this eye condition generally starts with prescription eye drops. They help decrease eye pressure by reducing the amount of fluid your eye makes or improving how the fluid drains from your eye. Depending on what each Baton Rouge, LA patient needs, more than one type of eye drop may need to be prescribed.

Are there any side effects from glaucoma eye drops?

Although many adults go undiagnosed, approximately two million men and women in this country have glaucoma. Early intervention and detection are key to slowing down the progression of glaucoma and preserving your vision health. While there is no cure for glaucoma, eye drop treatment can prevent vision loss with an early diagnosis. Mild cases are typically controlled with daily eye drops, while more severe cases may require more invasive options, like laser or MIGS surgery. Prescription eye drops for glaucoma work by increasing the fluid outflow in the eye to reduce any built-up pressure. Some possible glaucoma eye drop side effects can be:

• Blurry vision
• Itching, stinging, or redness in your eye
• Headaches
• Changes in your eye color

Do you need glaucoma vision care in Baton Rouge, LA?

The increased intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma can damage your optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss. If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of glaucoma, take control of your vision health and contact Baton Rouge Eye Physicians. Our experienced ophthalmologists have helped numerous women and men manage their glaucoma symptoms and prevent the progression of this eye condition. Preserve your vision health and schedule an eye exam today by contacting our Baton Rouge, LA office to set up an appointment.