How Glaucoma and Retinal Conditions Intersect
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve at the back of the eye, leading to vision loss and even blindness. The exact cause of glaucoma is often unknown. However, experts suggest that retinal diseases that cause cell damage may eventually contribute to the development of glaucoma. Let’s break down how glaucoma and retinal conditions intersect and how you can take steps to protect and preserve your vision.
Retinal Conditions That Can Co-Exist With Glaucoma
Common retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), can cause abnormal blood vessels that prevent fluid from properly draining out of the eye, leading to a type of glaucoma. Other retinal conditions that often co-exist with glaucoma include uveitis and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Research shows that patients are more likely to experience low vision and blindness in patients with glaucoma who have comorbid retinal diseases like DR and AMD compared to glaucoma alone.
Collaborating With the Right Team of Doctors
Glaucoma and retinal diseases aren’t always preventable, and sometimes symptoms aren’t noticeable in the early stages. Therefore, it’s important to see a general ophthalmologist and a retina specialist regularly, particularly if you’re over the age of 40 and have a family history of glaucoma or retinal diseases. The sooner you receive a diagnosis and treatment, the better your vision outcomes will be.
A general ophthalmologist can detect the early signs of glaucoma and work with a retina specialist if you have an existing retinal condition. A retina specialist completes medical school and ophthalmology training, but they also undergo additional specialized training to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the retina.
How to Navigate a Dual Diagnosis
It can be difficult to navigate both a glaucoma and retinal disease diagnosis. If you have diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, for example, taking steps to manage your diabetes can improve your eye health. Other conditions may require further treatment, such as eye drops, oral medications, eye injections, or even laser surgery.
Schedule an Appointment With a Retina Specialist Today
Glaucoma and retinal conditions can exist simultaneously, negatively impacting your vision as well as your quality of life. While these conditions aren’t always preventable, working closely with an ophthalmologist and retina specialist can give you the greatest odds of protecting and preserving your vision.
At Retinal Consultants Medical Group, our retina specialists can effectively diagnose and treat conditions like diabetic retinopathy, AMD, and others that can intersect with glaucoma. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at one of our retina clinics in Northern California, including Chico, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, and more.
