Living with Glaucoma

5/27/2025

Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the United States. According to the CDC, over 3 million Americans are living with glaucoma today — and that number is expected to reach 4.2 million by 2030. Because glaucoma often progresses without noticeable symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it until significant vision loss has occurred.

The good news? With early detection and appropriate treatment, the progression of glaucoma can be significantly slowed, helping many patients preserve their vision and quality of life.

Understanding Glaucoma

“Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure on the optic nerve — the part of the eye responsible for transmitting visual signals to the brain. Over time, this pressure can cause permanent nerve damage and vision loss”, says Dr. Raja Goli, ophthalmologist at Medical Associates of Navarro County.

Certain individuals are at higher risk for developing glaucoma, including those who:

• Are age 60 or older
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Are of African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian descent
• Have nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia)
• Have experienced previous eye injuries
• Live with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or migraines

There Is Hope

While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, timely intervention can help protect your vision. After diagnosis, your eye doctor may recommend treatment options such as:

• Prescription eye drops to lower eye pressure
• Oral medications
• Laser therapy to improve fluid drainage
• Surgical procedures, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional filtering surgery

“Many patients require frequent follow-ups to monitor eye pressure and adjust treatment as needed. Some medications may cause side effects or lose effectiveness over time, so ongoing evaluation is key”, says Goli.

Adjusting to Life with Glaucoma

Living with glaucoma often requires small lifestyle changes to maintain independence and reduce eye strain:

• Keep essential items like keys and medications in a consistent, easily accessible location
• Use large print books or e-readers with adjustable font sizes
• Place a magnifying glass near commonly used items like the phone book or instruction manuals
• Adjust lighting at home and work to reduce glare
• Wear specially tinted glasses indoors and outdoors to manage light sensitivity
• Avoid night driving if it causes anxiety or impairs vision; consider arranging transportation after dark

Emotional Well-Being Matters

A glaucoma diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. It’s important to not only care for your physical health but also acknowledge your emotional well-being. Joining a support group or talking with a mental health professional can be beneficial. Building a strong, open relationship with your physician helps ensure you feel confident asking questions and exploring treatment options.

Take Action Early

Dr. Goli encourages consulting early on with an ophthalmologist. “While glaucoma is not life-threatening, it can significantly affect your daily life if left unmanaged. If you or a loved one is experiencing vision changes — especially peripheral vision loss — don’t delay. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis is your best defense against further vision loss, and with the right care, glaucoma doesn't have to stand in the way of a fulfilling life”.

Raja Goli, M.D. is an ophthalmologist at Medical Associates of Navarro County and a member of the medical staff at Navarro Regional Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Goli, call 903-641-3850 or visit Navarro-Docs.com.

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