There are many potential sources for glaucoma help including doctors, support groups, and therapists. While glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness, there is help available in the form of medications, surgery, and emotional support. Patients are advised to seek help immediately if this condition is suspected, as it is a progressive disorder that cannot be corrected.
The first and most important source for glaucoma help is the patient's eye doctor. The doctor will be responsible for making the diagnosis and offering treatment options. He or she may also provide additional information on surgeons and treatment centers which specialize in the condition. Many cases of glaucoma can be successfully treated with medication and sometimes surgery. Seeing a doctor is the first step in maintaining vision for as long as possible.
Those who have been diagnosed with glaucoma may feel frightened and unsure about their futures. They may wonder if their eyesight will slowly fade, with blindness being the end result. Patients are often advised to seek glaucoma help in the form of support groups or therapists who can assist them in dealing with their diagnosis and coping with the illness itself. They will be able to talk about their fears and anxieties with others who understand what they are going through, and counselors may be able to offer strategies they can use to lessen their fears.
If a support group is not available, patients can also find glaucoma help via online communities and groups. These typically operate much like a support group, only virtually. Patients can usually post bulletins or ask questions of other members and get insight into living with the disease from those who are doing so. This can be a invaluable resource to their families as well.
As scary as the thought may be, some patients will need to find glaucoma help after the disease has greatly reduced or destroyed their eyesight. These individuals may need to learn new skills, find help with performing everyday activities, and get someone who can drive them to places they need to go. Their doctors will likely be able to make recommendations for therapists who specialize in working with the blind, and patients often are able to learn to function very well. Even those who do not lose their sight entirely can benefit from relying more heavily on their other senses to perform certain activities.