Glaucoma is broken up into multiple stages, the severity of which should determine your course of treatment:
Stage 1 Glaucoma – The first stage of glaucoma is often exhibited through the onset of mildly intraocular pressure. This stage is generally brought on by changes to the optic nerve and the eyes’ ability to drain fluid from the trabecular meshwork. Continue working with your physician to monitor your symptoms.
Stage 2 Glaucoma – The second stage of glaucoma is when you or your loved one will start to notice symptoms. These may include patchy or blurry vision or mild to moderate eye pain. At this point, your doctor may recommend medication therapies, like topical beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Stage 3 Glaucoma – The third stage of glaucoma can be officially characterized as the “advanced” stage. Depending upon your level blockage and angle-closure, your doctor may recommend interventions like medications or surgery.
Stage 4 (End-Stage) Glaucoma – This occurs when there is little to no healthy eye tissue left, and vision is increasingly limited. While blindness during end-stage glaucoma isn’t a certainty, the risk is significantly elevated when this stage is reached.
