Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. It usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and closed-angle. Regular eye exams are important to identify early signs of this disease.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and the leading cause of preventable blindness. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older have glaucoma.

The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower your eye pressure in order to prevent or slow further vision loss. Shmunes Vision may recommend treatment if the risk of vision loss is high. Treatment often consists of eyedrops but can include laser treatment or surgery to create a new drain in the eye. Glaucoma is a chronic disease that can be controlled but not cured. Be sure to get regular eye exams and talk with your doctor about your options in case they determine treatment is right for you.