The Unknown Damage of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a silent killer of eyesight. It’s estimated that over two million Americans have glaucoma, yet half of them have no idea the condition is slowing damaging their eyesight. That’s because in its early stages glaucoma presents few if any symptoms. By the time the person notices issues, irreversible vision loss has already occurred.
At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, we can spot the early signs of glaucoma and successfully treat the condition before it causes permanent damage.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that damage the eye’s optic nerve. This usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This fluid, which normally exits the eye in a continuing stream, builds pressure increases within the eye. Eventually this pressure damages the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. for all ages, following only macular degeneration. Glaucoma can occur at any age, but it is much more prevalent in older adults.
If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.
Two main forms of glaucoma
There are different types of glaucoma, but two forms are the most common: open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Here are the symptoms of each:
Primary open-angle glaucoma symptoms:
- Patchy blind spots in your peripheral or central vision, frequently in both eyes
- Tunnel vision with advanced glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye redness
Glaucoma starts causing permanent vision loss before you know it. But when we perform your routine eye exams at Central Valley Eye Medical Group, we can spot glaucoma early on. You know that puff of air test? That’s one of our glaucoma tests. When glaucoma is found early on it can be managed, first with eyedrops, and then surgery if necessary to open up drainage in the eye.
But you need to have your eyes examined by the team at Central Valley Eye Medical for us to spot developing glaucoma. Call us at (800) 244-9907 to set up your exam.
Posted in: Glaucoma
