About this topic
Glaucoma is an eye problem where the fluid inside the eye is not draining well. This increases the pressure inside the eyes. This pressure can damage the nerve that helps you see. When long-term glaucoma is not treated, it can cause blindness. There are different types of glaucoma: ‚
- Open-angle glaucoma ¢ ˆ ’ The drainage angle is open but fluid drains too slowly. Signs happen over time.
- Closed-angle glaucoma ¢ ˆ ’ The fluid in front of the eye cannot drain at all. Signs are more sudden and more severe
- Developmental glaucoma ¢ ˆ ’ Most often happens around birth
Doctors find this illness by doing eye exams and measuring eye pressure. Glaucoma can be treated using drugs. There are a few different types of surgery available. Your doctor will recommend the one that will help the type of glaucoma you have. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask the doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Use the drugs ordered by your doctor.
- Do not touch your eye. Gently dab your eye with a damp, clean washcloth when itchy.
- Wear protective glasses after surgery. This will help prevent dust and germs from getting into the eye.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to take a bath or shower.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to wear contact lenses.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- After surgery, your eyesight should clear up if the glaucoma was treated early. For long-term and very bad glaucoma, it may take more time for eyesight to return to normal.
- If your eyesight does not return to normal, ask your doctor what you can do to help with normal activities.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower pressure in the eyes
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- Routine activities may be limited until eyesight returns to normal.
- Staying indoors will help avoid getting foreign objects in the eyes.
What problems could happen?
- Loss of good eyesight
- Blindness
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Have an eye exam each year. Have your eye pressure read at each visit.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Sudden loss of eyesight or pain
- Redness; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge
Helpful tips
- Some eye drops may cause a bitter taste in the mouth after using. Taking a drink of water will help get rid of the taste.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my eyes.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a loss of eyesight, eye pain, eye drainage, or cloudy or blurred eyesight.
Where can I learn more?
Glaucoma Research Foundation ‚
http://www.glaucomafoundation.org/about_glaucoma.htm ‚
National Eye Institute ‚
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp ‚
National Institute of Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/glaucoma/glaucomadefined/01.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚