GLAUCOMA Leading cause of blindness in the United States, but loss of sight is usually preventable with appropriate management. Most patients do not experience any symptoms suggesting eye trouble unless disease is far advanced. Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, usually because of elevated pressure in the eye. The damage done at any point in time is permanent, and the goal of proper medical management is to prevent future damage. Early detection is critical to preventing loss of vision; this being the most important reason for having routine eye exams with your ophthalmologist. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma by far, and this is often inheritable. Medical management is most often accomplished with regular daily eyedrops, but laser treatment in the office is often a very good alternative. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce intraocular pressure. Glaucoma eye medication can occasionally have side effects, which should be discussed with your ophthalmologist should they occur. Some eye drops may cause: Stinging Redness Changes in pulse rate Reduction in energy level Blurred vision Aggravation of symptoms associated with chronic heart failure, asthma, emphysema or erectile dysfunction Outpatient surgery (trabeculectomy) is sometimes necessary when glaucoma becomes difficult to control.