Glaucoma: What You Need to Know Right Now

Glaucoma is a eye condition that can steal your sight slowly, often without you noticing. It happens when fluid builds up inside the eye and pushes on the optic nerve, the part that sends images to the brain. If the pressure stays high, nerve cells die and vision gets blurry or goes dark. The good news is that early detection and treatment can keep most people from losing their sight.

What Is Glaucoma?

There are two main types: open‑angle glaucoma and angle‑closure glaucoma. Open‑angle is the most common – the fluid drains okay, but the drainage channels get clogged over time. Angle‑closure is less common but can cause a sudden spike in pressure, leading to severe pain and rapid vision loss. Both types share the same risk factors: age over 60, family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, and being Black or Asian.

Signs aren’t always obvious. People often report seeing halos around lights, tunnel‑vision loss, or noticing that they need more light to read. Because the loss starts at the edges of vision, you might think nothing’s wrong until it’s advanced. That’s why regular eye checks are critical.

Managing Glaucoma

The first step is a comprehensive eye exam. An eye doctor will measure intra‑ocular pressure (IOP) with a tonometer, look at the optic nerve with a special camera, and test peripheral vision. If the numbers are high or the nerve looks damaged, treatment begins.

Eye‑drops are the most common first‑line therapy. They work by either reducing fluid production or improving drainage. Common drops include prostaglandin analogs, beta‑blockers, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Most people need to use them daily for life, but the pressure often drops quickly, and side effects are usually mild.

If drops don’t lower pressure enough, doctors may suggest laser therapy. Laser trabeculoplasty opens the drainage channels, while laser iridotomy creates a tiny hole in the iris to relieve pressure in angle‑closure cases. Both procedures are quick, done in the office, and have short recovery times.

In severe cases, surgery is an option. Procedures like trabeculectomy or tube shunt implantation create a new pathway for fluid to exit the eye. Surgery carries more risk, so it’s reserved for eyes that can’t be controlled with drops or laser.

Living with glaucoma also means lifestyle tweaks. Stay active – regular cardio can help lower eye pressure. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, like leafy greens and berries, to support overall eye health. Avoid smoking, and keep blood pressure and sugar under control.

Don’t forget to schedule eye exams at least once a year, or more often if your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel fine, the pressure can rise silently, and catching it early saves vision.

Bottom line: glaucoma is a silent thief, but you can outsmart it with regular check‑ups, proper medication, and healthy habits. If you notice any change in your sight, call your eye doctor right away – early action makes all the difference.