What to know and what to do after getting diagnosed with glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that may cause vision loss (and even blindness) by damaging the optic nerve,¹ which is a nerve in the back of the eye. In fact, it’s a leading cause of blindness in people over 60,² and it currently affects more than 3 million people.³   

But with early treatment, a person’s vision may be able to be saved.² “Early intervention is key,” says Dan Lam, O.D., an optometrist at the Fort Worth Eye Center in Texas. “The best-case scenario is no loss of vision, and the next best-case scenario is to minimize as much disease progression as possible for as long as possible.” 

Given the stakes, people with glaucoma usually want to understand their condition better. They may wonder what causes it, what to do after diagnosis and what treatment options may be available. Here’s what to know. 

Stay on top of your eye health with an in-network provider. Search for an eye care provider now. 

What, exactly, is glaucoma, and who might it affect? 

The eye’s optic nerve is a collection of nerve fibers (long strings of cells) that send electrical signals to the brain. The optic nerve plays a key role in vision,⁴ so, if glaucoma damages the optic nerve, it may lead to vision issues.¹ 

Typically, optic nerve damage may occur when fluid builds up inside the eyeball. This may lead to an increase in what eye doctors call “intraocular pressure,” or eye pressure.²  

Some people with glaucoma can have normal eye pressure. In those cases, the optic nerve damage stems from some other cause. This type of glaucoma is called “normal-tension glaucoma.”²  

That said, anyone can develop glaucoma. But the risk is highest for people:³ 

• Over the age of 60
• With a family history of glaucoma
• With diabetes or high blood pressure
• Who are Black or Hispanic  

Why quick action may be important with glaucoma  

These eye diseases often develop slowly over time, so vision changes might not get noticed immediately.¹ By the time an eye doctor diagnoses glaucoma, some damage may have already occurred to the eyes. This damage, specifically vision loss, is permanent.²  

“Once the damage is there, there’s no going back,” says Murray Fingeret, O.D. He’s a board member of the Glaucoma Foundation and a clinical professor at SUNY College of Optometry. 

Preventing future vision loss is the primary reason why it’s a good idea to start treatment right away. There may be no way to restore lost vision, but future loss may be slowed or prevented with the right treatment.¹  

Even with medical treatment or surgery, some vision loss may still occur, says Dr. Lam. “The important difference is that with intervention, you are buying time,” he adds. 

The easiest way to stock up on contacts

Find dailies, monthlies, extended wear and more, from all the top brands.

ORDER NOW

ORDER NOW

What are the best glaucoma treatment options? 

There are several ways to treat glaucoma. Typically, treatment may become more complex with more severe cases.  

“The greater the amount of damage and the higher the intraocular pressure, the greater the therapy,” says Dr. Fingeret. 

An eye doctor can determine the correct treatment path. The most common options for treatment include:  

• Prescription eye drops: Medicated eye drops are usually the first line of treatment. They lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve.¹ The eye doctor will determine the number of drops to administer and how often, explains Dr. Fingeret. 
   
• Laser treatment: This is often done by targeting the drainage angle, which is the part of the eye where fluid drains out. Laser treatments can also be used to create a tiny hole in each iris.² That’s the part of the eye that has color. 
   
• Surgery: For more serious cases, surgery may be an option. This could involve creating a tiny drainage hole or a putting a drainage tube in each eye.⁵ That may reduce eye pressure. In some cases, cataract surgery may also reduce pressure.² Surgery may be used for more serious forms of glaucoma, says Dr. Fingeret. 

What else should people know about glaucoma?  

Patients with glaucoma will want to work with their eye doctor to find the best treatment. Once they’ve done that, they’ll want to:  

• Follow the eye doctor’s medication advice carefully. That includes sticking to the prescription schedule.¹
• Notify the doctor about any side effects or vision problems as soon as they occur.¹
• Schedule regular eye exams. 

A glaucoma diagnosis may be challenging, but by moving quickly and working with an eye doctor, vision may be saved.

Looking for a new eye care provider? Search the UnitedHealthcare Vision Network now.  

Sources: 

1. Glaucoma National Eye Institute, last updated November 2023. Accessed January 3, 2024.
2. What is glaucoma? Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment American Academy of Ophthalmology, December 2023. Accessed January 3, 2024.
3. Current glaucoma programs Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last reviewed November 2022. Accessed January 3, 2024.
4. Optic nerve Cleveland Clinic, last reviewed January 2022. Accessed January 3, 2024.
5. Glaucoma surgery National Eye Institute, last updated January 2022. Accessed January 3, 2024.