Preserving Vision with Glaucoma Management Strategies

March is Save Your Vision Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about eye health and the importance of routine eye exams. One of the biggest threats to vision is glaucoma, often called the "silent thief of sight" because it can develop without noticeable
symptoms until permanent damage has occurred.

At Highlands Optometry, we believe that protecting your vision starts with education, early detection, and proactive management. If you or a loved one is at risk for glaucoma, this month is the perfect reminder to prioritize your eye health and take action.

Understanding Your Risk

Glaucoma isn’t just a concern for older adults—it can affect anyone. Some of the most common risk factors include:

•          A family history of glaucoma

•          Increased eye pressure (intraocular pressure)

•          Thin corneas

•          Diabetes or high blood pressure

•          Previous eye injury or trauma

Since vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, early detection is key. A comprehensive eye exam can catch signs of glaucoma before it impacts your sight, allowing for effective management.

How to Manage Glaucoma

While there’s no cure for glaucoma, the right treatment can slow its progression and help protect your vision. Management strategies include:

1. Prescription Eye Drops

For many patients, medicated eye drops are the first step in controlling glaucoma. These drops help lower eye pressure by either reducing fluid production or improving drainage. Sticking to your prescribed schedule is crucial—missing doses can cause pressure to rise, increasing the risk of optic nerve damage.

2. Laser Therapy

If eye drops aren’t enough, laser treatments like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) can help reduce eye pressure by improving fluid drainage. It’s a quick, minimally invasive procedure that can provide lasting benefits.

3. Surgical Options

For advanced cases, surgical procedures such as trabeculectomy or drainage implants can help regulate eye pressure more effectively than drops or lasers. These treatments create new pathways for fluid drainage, reducing pressure on the optic nerve.

4. Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Although treatment is necessary to manage glaucoma, certain lifestyle adjustments can support your overall eye health:

•          Regular Exercise – Moderate physical activity can help lower intraocular pressure.

•          Eye-Healthy Diet – Leafy greens, omega-3-rich fish, and antioxidant-rich foods can support optic nerve health.

•          Protect Your Eyes – Wear protective eyewear to prevent injuries that could raise your glaucoma risk.

•          Limit Caffeine Intake – Excessive caffeine can cause short-term spikes in eye pressure.

Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening Today

Since glaucoma progresses silently, routine eye exams are essential—especially if you have risk factors. Detecting glaucoma early allows for treatment that can preserve your vision and quality of life. During Save Your Vision Month, let this be your reminder to take charge of your eye health.

March is the perfect time to prioritize your eye health. If you haven't had a recent eye exam or are concerned about glaucoma, contact Highlands Optometry today. Visit our office in Bristol or Wise, Virginia. Please call (276) 466-4227 or (276) 679-5612, respectively, to book an appointment.