Prognosis
Unfortunately, when vision is lost due to glaucoma, it cannot be restored. As such, it is very important to diagnose glaucoma early before substantial visual loss occurs. However, even after some visual loss occurs, the progression of glaucoma can usually be greatly slowed or even halted with medications and/or surgery. Fortunately, glaucoma also affects the peripheral vision first, damaging the central vision and causing severe disability only later in the disease process. Hence, with early diagnosis and treatment, most patients with glaucoma can maintain useful vision throughout their lives. Glaucoma is a lifetime disease, however, and drops and/or surgery, along with regular visits to the eye doctor, are required to keep it in check.
