There is nothing that can prevent glaucoma, but you can slow it down with early treatment. This is why regular eye exams are important. Your doctor will perform a series of painless tests – measuring intraocular pressure, extended eye tests, and sometimes – trials with visual fields and others – to check any changes with your eyesight or eyes. When glaucoma is discovered early, it can be controlled with medications such as eye drops. If your glaucoma doesn’t respond to this treatment, surgery can be recommended. As glaucoma is painless, about half of those who have it are not aware.
You will not go blind if you correctly use your medications and follow the advice of your doctors. Treatment decreases the speed of optic nerve degeneration caused by high intraocular pressure. If you use your eye drops daily, you will likely maintain your eyesight.
It is not mandatory mbut the risk is increased. Other factors that can increase risk are:
People with those risk factors should frequently check their eyes.
Most people with glaucoma can continue driving – as long as they complete a test approved by the local driving authority. Said simply, your ability to drive will depend on how much of your eyesight is lost.
