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Glaucoma: An Optic Nerve Disease

Risk Factors
Age over 60
Elevated intraocular (eye) pressure
Family history of glaucoma
African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry (depending on glaucoma type)
Thin corneas
Diabetes
High blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
Prior eye injury or trauma
Long-term use of corticosteroid medications (especially eye drops)
Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
Symptoms
Symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of glaucoma.
Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, often in both eyes
Tunnel vision in advanced stages
Blurred vision
Halos around lights
Eye pain or pressure
Redness of the eye
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting (more common in acute angle-closure glaucoma)
Sudden, severe vision loss (in acute cases)
<p class="font_8">Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to slow or prevent further optic nerve damage. Because glaucoma is typically a chronic condition, treatment is usually ongoing and tailored to the type of glaucoma and the amount of optic nerve change. One commonly used treatment is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), a safe and repeatable laser procedure that helps the eye drain fluid more effectively, which can reduce intraocular pressure. SLT is often used as an early treatment option and may reduce or delay the need for daily eye drops for some patients. Prescription eye drops are also frequently used to lower eye pressure. Different types of drops work in different ways—either by decreasing fluid production inside the eye or by improving fluid outflow. If drops alone do not provide enough pressure control, oral medications may be used in certain cases. For patients who need additional pressure reduction, surgical procedures may be recommended to improve fluid drainage and better control eye pressure. The right approach depends on the glaucoma subtype, severity, and how well pressure responds to other treatments. In addition to medical treatment, healthy habits can support overall eye health. Regular cardiovascular exercise and a balanced diet that includes leafy green vegetables may be beneficial for general wellness. Most importantly, consistent follow-up visits are essential, since glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms and treatment plans may need to be adjusted over time.</p>