Open-Angle Glaucoma: What You Need to Know Right Now
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. It usually progresses slowly and quietly, so many people don’t notice vision loss until it’s advanced. The main issue is damage to the optic nerve, often linked to higher pressure inside the eye. The good news: if you catch it early and follow treatment, you can slow or prevent major vision loss.
Here’s the practical side: watch for subtle changes. You might lose side (peripheral) vision first. Things can feel fine until the damage is significant. If you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, are Black or Hispanic, have diabetes, or have had long-term steroid use, get regular eye checks more often.
How doctors diagnose open-angle glaucoma
Eye doctors use a few simple tests to find glaucoma early. Tonometry measures eye pressure (normal is usually 10–21 mmHg). A dilated exam lets the doctor look at the optic nerve for thinning or unusual cupping. Visual field tests check side vision loss. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) takes a quick scan of the nerve and retinal layers to spot damage before you notice symptoms. None of these tests alone tells the whole story—doctors combine results and trends over time.
If you have risk factors or any suspicious test result, expect repeat exams to track changes. That’s crucial: one high reading doesn’t always mean glaucoma, and one normal reading doesn’t rule it out. Trends matter more than a single number.
Treatment and daily steps that help
Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to protect the optic nerve. Most people start with prescription eye drops. Common types include prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Drops work well when used regularly—missing doses is the most common reason treatment fails.
If drops aren’t enough or cause side effects, laser trabeculoplasty is a clinic procedure that helps fluid drain better. For more advanced cases, surgeries like trabeculectomy or newer MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery) may be options. Your eye doctor will explain risks and benefits based on how fast the disease is progressing.
Daily habits can help too. Keep regular follow-ups, take drops exactly as prescribed, and tell your doctor about other meds you take. Manage health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and avoid long-term steroid use unless necessary. Exercise moderately, stay hydrated, and protect your eyes from injury.
Remember: open-angle glaucoma is manageable when found early. If you haven’t had a full eye exam in a year or two, make an appointment. Early detection and steady care are the best ways to keep your sight.
