Glaucoma: Helping save your sight

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that may rob you of your vision. Its exact cause is unknown. In many cases, it’s believed to occur when pressure builds up in your eye. This damages your optic nerve. That’s the nerve that carries information from your eye to your brain, where the information is interpreted.

Once you lose vision to glaucoma, you don’t get it back. But with early detection and treatment, you can prevent your vision from getting worse. This makes regular follow-up with your ophthalmologist crucial.

Glaucoma treatment focuses on preventing it from getting worse. We do not yet have a cure.

Treatments

There are three main treatments for glaucoma:

• Medication: This is the most common treatment. It involves daily eye drops that lower your eye pressure.

• Laser treatment: Your doctor may use a laser to help fluid drain from your eye.

• Surgery: If other treatments don’t help, surgery may make it easier for fluid to drain from your eye.

Once you learn you have glaucoma, it’s essential to see your ophthalmologist for regular follow-up.

Research

Researchers at the UW-Madison Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and in the Clinical Eye Research Unit study and develop better treatments for eye diseases such as glaucoma. They aim to help people have the best possible vision and to one day prevent blindness. Participating in clinical trials may give you access to exciting new treatments and therapies.

Learn more about our Clinical Eye Research Unit.

We have a large team of experienced eye care providers. Several specialize in understanding and treating glaucoma. They protect your vision and provide the best possible care.

Ophthalmologists provide care in and around the Madison area and offer teleophthalmology screenings to serve even more communities outside of Madison. Make an appointment today.