Glaucoma
Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that sometimes cause vision loss and blindness.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is caused by high eye pressure due to fluid buildup. This pressure is caused by an abnormality in the eye’s drainage system, resulting in excessive pressure on the eye, which damages the optic nerve.
The Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Eye pressure or pain
- Headaches
- Red eyes
- Low vision (blurry, narrowed, or tunnel vision)
- Blind spots
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rainbow-colored halos around lights
Can Glaucoma Be Cured?
Unfortunately, glaucoma can’t be cured. At least not yet. However, if you catch it early, your optometrist in Mt Pleasant, PA, can work with you to help prevent vision loss and blindness. This can be done by managing your symptoms to help prevent the disease from worsening.
Only one in 10 people with glaucoma will develop some level of vision impairment. And less than five percent of people with glaucoma will experience blindness.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
There are several options available to help manage and treat your glaucoma.
1. Eye Drops
Eye drops are the most common medication used for treatment. They help decrease fluid buildup in the eye and increase drainage to lower pressure.
2. Laser Therapy
Another treatment option is laser therapy. Your optometrist will use a laser to help improve the fluid drainage from your eye. Some eye doctors will use laser therapy as the first line of treatment instead of or in addition to having you use eye drops.
Laser therapy treatments can sometimes last for years, but they might not eliminate the need for eye drops altogether. In addition, your optometrist in Charleroi, PA, might need to repeat your laser treatments if necessary.
3. Surgery
Surgery is sometimes needed to reduce the pressure on your eye. It’s a bit more drastic; however, surgery works better and faster than eye drops or laser therapy. It can also help slow down vision loss. But unfortunately, it can’t restore any vision you’ve already lost.
Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?
The best way to help protect your eyes is through routine eye exams. Early detection is key to preventing vision loss.
Schedule a Routine Eye Exam Today
Contact Clayton M. Anderson OD today to schedule a routine eye exam.
