Open-angle Glaucoma – Quick Guide to Signs, Tests, and Treatment

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma and the leading cause of silent vision loss. It sneaks up on you because you usually don’t feel any pain or notice changes until the damage is already done. The good news? Knowing the basics can help you catch it early and keep your sight safe.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Most people with open-angle glaucoma have no obvious symptoms at first. You might notice a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision, like looking through a tunnel, but many don’t realize it until an eye doctor spots the problem. Because the disease progresses slowly, regular eye exams are your best defense.

During a check‑up, the doctor will measure the pressure inside your eye (intra‑ocular pressure) with a tonometer. They’ll also look at the drainage angle with a slit‑lamp and capture images of the optic nerve. Visual field tests map any blind spots. If any of these readings are off, your eye doctor will likely schedule more frequent monitoring.

Treatment Options & Lifestyle

If you’re diagnosed, treatment aims to lower eye pressure and stop further damage. First‑line therapy is usually prescription eye drops that improve fluid outflow or reduce production. Common names include latanoprost, timolol, and dorzolamide. Most people use drops once or twice a day and see good pressure control.

When drops aren’t enough, laser therapy (selective laser trabeculoplasty) can boost drainage without surgery. In more advanced cases, a tiny tube or a filtration surgery (trabeculectomy) may be necessary. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits; many patients do fine with just drops.

Simple lifestyle tweaks can help too. Regular exercise, especially aerobic activities, can lower pressure a bit. Limit caffeine and avoid smoking, both of which can raise eye pressure. Keep up with your diabetes and cholesterol control, as these conditions affect eye health.

Also, protect your eyes from injury – a hit to the head can spike pressure and worsen glaucoma. Wear safety glasses when working with tools or playing sports, and have sunglasses to reduce UV exposure.

Remember to take your eye drops exactly as prescribed. Missing doses or using the wrong eye can undo all your progress. If you have trouble with hand‑eye coordination, ask your pharmacist for a drop‑assistant device.

Finally, stay on top of follow‑up appointments. Even if your pressure looks great, the optic nerve can still change over time. Regular monitoring lets your doctor adjust treatment before any vision loss occurs.

Open-angle glaucoma may feel daunting, but with routine eye exams, proper medication, and a few healthy habits, you can keep your vision clear for years to come.