The Latest News on Glaucoma

By Jane Farrell

Glaucoma is a frightening vision condition that affects the optic nerve, and if the damage continues untreated, it can lead to blindness.

But experts say there is reason for hope. “There are new medications and procedures to treat glaucoma,” said Dr. Andrea Zimmerman, a low vision specialist with the Lighthouse Guild in New York.

Additionally, promising studies are underway. One of these, Zimmerman said, involves developing an implant that “could be inserted surgically to dispense medication.” This is good news for those who have been diagnosed and those who are at risk.

The first step in preventing glaucoma, Zimmerman said, is getting regular eye exams that can guard against it as well as other eye disorders. A comprehensive dilated eye exam can detect glaucoma in its early stages, allowing you to get treatments that can prevent loss of vision.

“Early intervention is the key to preventing vision loss,” Zimmerman said. “Regular eye exams should start by age three. Although it is rare, even children can have glaucoma.”

Early intervention is the key to preventing vision loss.

Many people experience difficulty with vision as they get older. Problems with reading, driving at night, glare, peripheral vision, and walking due to the inability to see curbs and steps, can be common. But that doesn’t mean you should disregard those problems.

“It’s important not to ignore these problems,” says Dr. Zimmerman. “You need to get them checked out. Only an eye care professional can determine if these symptoms are related to glaucoma or other eye conditions and begin treatments that can help safeguard your vision.”

For those who do have vision loss from glaucoma, studies have found that vision rehabilitation can improve quality of life and the ability to perform daily tasks.

Lighthouse Guild is the leading organization dedicated to addressing and preventing vision loss. For more information, click here.