What Happens When Glaucoma Goes Untreated?

Glaucoma is a disease that can easily creep up on an individual without warning. This is the reason people refer to it as the sneaky thief of sight. The disease does not have early symptoms. This means that most people do not realize they have glaucoma until it is too late. 

 

The condition often causes irreversible nerve damage and even vision loss. The World Health Organization has indicated that glaucoma is a major cause of blindness around the world.

 

Who Can Get Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can affect anyone, but some people have a higher risk of getting the disease than others. The disease can even affect children. Those at high risk are people over 60 years, African Americans, people with diabetes, and those who are severely myopic. 

 

People with a family history of glaucoma are more likely to get the disease. The disease can sneak up on anyone, so regular eye exams are vital.

 

Regular Eye Examinations

People who fail to get regular exams may have glaucoma without knowing it. Glaucoma does not cause pain in the early stages, and patients experience no vision problems. The only way to know if you have glaucoma is by getting a diagnosis from a doctor. 

 

Glaucoma is a progressive condition that gets worse with time. Regular eye exams will allow an eye doctor to diagnose the condition and begin a treatment plan. If caught early, it is possible to treat glaucoma. Early treatment can help prevent vision loss.

 

When Glaucoma Goes Untreated

If glaucoma continues to develop, it results in high pressure in the eye. This pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. The damage impairs the vision, which is irreversible. This means that when glaucoma goes untreated, the patient can go blind. The vision loss usually starts around the edges of the individual’s visual field. 

 

Thus, peripheral vision is the first to feel the effects. Over time, the central vision becomes blurry, and eventually, the person becomes blind. If you have glaucoma, you will most likely need treatment for the rest of your life.

 

Optic Nerve Evaluation

During routine eye exams, doctors examine the optic nerve to look for signs of glaucoma. People with a family history of the disease need to get a complete evaluation of the optic nerve regularly. An optometrist will be able to diagnose the condition in the early stages. 

 

The doctor can then develop a treatment plan to control the eye pressure, preventing nerve damage. Early treatment and ensuring you keep up with the follow-up visits will help ensure that you maintain your vision. 

 

Choosing Treatment Options

The eye specialist will recommend the best treatment option for your condition. Treatment can include the use of eye drops, laser treatment, or MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) implants. In some cases, a doctor may perform traditional glaucoma surgery. 

 

If a patient goes to the doctor after nerve damage has occurred, it is not possible to reverse the condition. Routine eye exams are the only way to prevent vision loss due to glaucoma. Early detection of this condition can slow it down. 

To find out more on what happens when glaucoma goes untreated, contact Eye Care North at our office in Cave Creek, Arizona. You can call 480-781-4446 today to schedule an appointment.