Living with Glaucoma: How to Manage Your Condition and Maintain Quality of Life

Glaucoma is a progressive eye condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. While a diagnosis of glaucoma may feel overwhelming at first, many people continue to live full, active lives with proper management and care. Understanding your condition, following treatment plans, and utilizing available tools can help you preserve your vision and quality of life for years to come.
 

Understanding Glaucoma and Its Impact

Glaucoma typically damages the optic nerve due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), though normal-tension glaucoma can occur without high pressure. Vision loss from glaucoma often begins in the peripheral vision, which may go unnoticed in the early stages.
 

Managing Glaucoma Through Treatment and Lifestyle

The cornerstone of glaucoma management is reducing eye pressure to prevent further nerve damage. Treatment often begins with prescription eye drops that help decrease IOP. In some cases, oral medications may be added.

It’s also important to adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports eye health. This may include:

• Taking medications exactly as prescribed

• Avoiding smoking

• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants

• Staying physically active (with guidance from your eye doctor)

• Monitoring for changes in vision and reporting them promptly

Regular follow-ups with your optometrist allow for close monitoring of disease progression and treatment adjustments when necessary.
 

When to Consider Surgery

If medications and laser treatments do not effectively control intraocular pressure (IOP), your eye doctor may recommend surgical intervention. Surgical options for glaucoma include trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage pathway to reduce eye pressure; glaucoma drainage implants, which use a small device to help fluid drain from the eye; and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), a group of newer procedures that provide quicker recovery times with fewer risks.

While surgery does not cure glaucoma, it can play an important role in slowing or stopping further vision loss. The decision to proceed with surgery, as well as the type of procedure selected, will depend on the severity of your condition and how well you have responded to previous treatments.
 

Living Well with Glaucoma

Living with glaucoma requires ongoing care, but with the right treatment plan, lifestyle adjustments, and support, you can continue to enjoy a high quality of life. Regular eye exams, proper use of prescribed therapies, and timely intervention are essential to preserving your vision and maintaining independence.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glaucoma, schedule an eye exam at Sylvain Eye Care P.C. to learn more about managing your vision. Visit our office in Atlanta, Georgia, or call (404) 341-4350 to book an appointment today.