Glaucoma Medication Therapy in Napa, CA

Glaucoma is a complex disease that is generally due to excessive pressure inside the eye, sometimes leading to irreversible vision loss. However, there are medical therapies available to decrease the likelihood of further vision loss. At Eye Specialists of Napa Valley, our team of board-certified ophthalmologists can prescribe glaucoma medication, such as glaucoma eye drops, in Napa, CA, to lower your eye pressure. If you suffer from glaucoma and would like to explore the various options to prevent vision loss, contact our glaucoma specialist in Napa, CA, today.

Early detection and treatment of glaucoma are key to slowing or preventing vision loss from the condition. The damage caused by glaucoma is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. Some of the other symptoms include:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
• Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
• Severe eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Redness in the eye

Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. This pressure builds up when the fluid in the eye, called aqueous humor, doesn't drain properly. The fluid then accumulates, raising the pressure. Over time, this can harm the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. In some cases, glaucoma can occur even if the pressure in the eye is normal, though the cause of this is not fully understood.

Glaucoma can impact any adult, no matter their race or gender. It's vital to have routine eye exams each year or as directed by Eye Specialists of Napa Valley. While anyone can develop glaucoma, you are at greater risk if you:

• Are 45 or older
• Have increased eye pressure
• Have a familial history of glaucoma
• Are severely nearsighted
• Are of African-American, Hispanic, or Asian descent
• Have a history of eye injury or bleeding in the eye

It can be nerve-wracking to be diagnosed with glaucoma; however, it's vital to keep a positive attitude. This diagnosis does not have to alter your lifestyle, as you should generally be able to continue enjoying your regular activities.

One of the biggest benefits of glaucoma medication therapy is that it can be completely customized to meet your needs. There are several types of prescription eye drops available to help manage glaucoma. While they will not cure glaucoma or reverse vision loss, prescription eye drops are a noninvasive and nonsurgical option for managing your glaucoma. So whether you need an eye drop that decreases pressure in your eye by improving the way fluid drains or an eye drop that decreases the amount of fluid your eye produces, our ophthalmologists will help you determine the right treatment option to fit your unique needs.

Ideal candidates for glaucoma medication therapy should meet certain criteria to effectively manage this condition. Ideal candidates for this treatment include individuals who are at risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma medication therapy offers a noninvasive and personalized approach to addressing glaucoma. Glaucoma medication therapy aims to reduce eye pressure and slow the progression of the disease, though it will not cure it. The team at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley can create a tailored treatment plan aimed at preserving your vision in a way that's best for you.

We will begin with a comprehensive eye exam. Your doctor will then determine the severity of the condition. We can then suggest treatment and/or medicine for eye pressure.

Treatment options can include:

• Beta-blockers: These reduce fluid produced by the eye.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: This medication is also used to reduce aqueous humor production. There are eye drops and oral formulations.
• Prostaglandin analogs: These eye drops relax the drainage channels, allowing for fluid to drain better.
• Adrenergic agonists: These reduce fluid production at the same time as increasing drainage.
• Rho Kinase inhibitors: These increase fluid drainage
• Combinations: Many drops now come in combinations that reduce the overall eye drop load.

As is the case with all medications, side effects may arise. Our team will only prescribe a glaucoma medication in Napa, CA, if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you experience any problems, feel free to contact us. We will continue to monitor your condition at regular follow-up appointments.

How do I know if I have glaucoma?
It can be difficult to know when you have glaucoma. This is because it can happen slowly and without interference in your day-to-day life. However, it is important to talk to our glaucoma specialists if you are experiencing any vision loss, blurry vision, or eyestrain.

How is glaucoma treated?
Commonly, glaucoma is treated with eye drops and prescription medications. Regardless of treatment, it is important to note that glaucoma treatment won't restore sight, but it can help with the condition. To learn more about glaucoma medication in Napa, CA, contact our office.

Should I avoid certain things to help with eye pressure?
If you need to reduce eye pressure to help with glaucoma, you can try various things to assist. These may include eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and limiting caffeine intake.

Is glaucoma curable?
Glaucoma isn't a curable condition. However, with the right glaucoma specialist, you will be able to manage the condition. For additional information on how we provide optimal treatments that can improve your ocular health, contact our office in Napa Valley.

Is glaucoma hereditary?
People with a family history of glaucoma are at a higher risk of developing the condition, especially close relatives like parents or siblings. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection, particularly for those with a genetic predisposition.

Can glaucoma be prevented?
While glaucoma cannot be fully prevented, early detection and regular eye exams can help manage its progression and protect vision. Lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can support eye health and may lower risk. Consistent monitoring by an eye specialist is key to catching glaucoma early and minimizing its impact on vision.

If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, our team at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley will be able to help. After a comprehensive exam, we will suggest medication therapies to help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of vision loss. For more information about the medication therapies offered, schedule your appointment with our glaucoma specialist in Napa, CA, today.