Browse Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve, which is crucial for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. However, blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment. Our pharmacy offers a range of medications to help manage and treat glaucoma effectively.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is primarily caused by an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which can damage the optic nerve. The increased pressure is often due to a buildup of fluid (aqueous humor) that flows throughout the inside of your eye. This fluid normally exits the eye through a mesh-like channel. When this channel becomes blocked, the fluid builds up, causing glaucoma. The exact cause of this blockage is unknown, but doctors do know that it can be inherited, meaning it is passed from parents to children.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, including:

• Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common form, where the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris remains open, but the trabecular meshwork is partially blocked.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: This occurs when the iris bulges forward to narrow or block the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris.
• Normal-tension glaucoma: This occurs when optic nerve damage occurs even though your eye pressure is within the normal range.
• Congenital glaucoma: This is a rare form that occurs in infants and is often hereditary.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

The symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Severe eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)
• Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Reddening of the eye

Treatment of Glaucoma

The treatment of glaucoma focuses on lowering intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment options include:

Medications

Medications are often the first line of treatment for glaucoma. They work by either decreasing the production of fluid in the eye or increasing its outflow, thereby reducing eye pressure. Our pharmacy offers a variety of medications for glaucoma treatment, including:

• Alphagan Ophthalmic Solution
• Lumigan RC

Surgery and Other Therapies

If medications are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery or other therapies. These can include laser therapy, drainage tubes, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Prevention of Glaucoma

While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to help protect your vision:

• Regular Eye Exams: Regular comprehensive eye exams can help detect glaucoma in its early stages before significant damage occurs.
• Exercise Safely: Regular, moderate exercise may help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure.
• Protect Your Eyes: Wearing protective eyewear when using power tools or playing high-speed racket sports can help prevent eye injuries.
• Know Your Family History: Glaucoma tends to run in families, so if you have a family history of glaucoma, you may be at increased risk.

In conclusion, while glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness, early detection and treatment can help preserve vision. Our pharmacy is committed to providing effective medications to manage glaucoma and support your eye health.