Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, but it may be managed, and slow down progression. If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (elevated intraocular pressure), it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and take your medications as directed.

Because glaucoma has no obvious symptoms, it can be difficult to understand the importance of continued treatment. But consider that up to 40% of your optic nerve (the connection between your eye and your brain) may be damaged before you notice any difference in your vision! Make no mistake: you are in a continuous fight against the potential effects of glaucoma.

In this way, glaucoma is similar to conditions caused by high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Just as we know the importance of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to prevent heart attacks and other diseases, we must recognize the importance of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in order to preserve vision.

The lower your IOP, the better your chance of winning your fight for sight.

Elevated IOP is the only treatable risk factor for patients with glaucoma. Therefore, it must be your primary focus in the fight against glaucoma. Reducing IOP by taking medication or through surgery is the best way to manage glaucoma and reduce the risk for progressive visual field loss. Clinical studies have shown that by lowering IOP, and keeping it low, patients may lower their risk for visual field loss.