What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes high pressure in the eyes and can damage your optic nerve. It’s the leading cause of blindness in people older than 60. Because vision loss associated with glaucoma isn’t reversible, routine eye exams to detect the disease in its early stage is crucial.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Common glaucoma symptoms include:
- Tunnel vision
- Patchy blind spots
- Severe headaches
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Eye redness
- Halos around lights
See your eye doctor at the first sign of vision changes or other unusual symptoms, as early treatment can save your eyesight.
What are the risk factors for glaucoma?
While glaucoma can happen to anybody, the following factors increase your risk of developing it:
- Being over age 60
- High internal eye pressure
- Family history of glaucoma
- Heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted
- Eye injuries
- Eye surgery
- Using corticosteroid eye drops long-term
- Thin corneas
- Sickle cell anemia
Routine eye exams help detect glaucoma when you’re at risk, even if you don’t experience symptoms of the disease.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
To diagnose glaucoma, your eye doctor reviews your medical history and asks about the symptoms you're experiencing. They complete a comprehensive dilated eye exam, including measuring your intraocular pressure, testing for optic nerve damage, and they may use imaging tests. Your Iris Eye Care & Contact Lens Gallery specialist measures corneal thickness and checks for vision loss using visual field tests.
How is glaucoma treated?
Your personalized glaucoma treatment plan helps reduce eye pressure. It’s based on the type and severity of glaucoma. Your optometrist might recommend:
- Lifestyle changes
- Prescription eye drops
- Oral medications
- Laser treatments
- Drainage tubes
- Minimally invasive surgery
Lifestyle treatments that may help control high eye pressure or improve overall eye health include eating a healthy diet, taking vitamin supplements, getting regular exercise, limiting caffeine, and sleeping with your head elevated.
Your optometrist refers you to a qualified eye surgeon in your area if you require a surgical procedure to relieve eye pressure.
If you’re at risk for glaucoma or are experiencing symptoms of the disease, request an appointment with the experts at Iris Eye Care & Contact Lens Gallery by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.
