Understanding Glaucoma

The older we grow, we become vulnerable to eye diseases like glaucoma. Glaucoma is the leading cause of low or loss of vision in the United States. Sadly, most people don't even realize they have it until the damage has been done. That's why our team at Today's Vision Conroe provides the testing you need to diagnose glaucoma early on before symptoms set in. If you are at risk for glaucoma, there are a few things you need to know about this condition.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve. The damage is usually due to an increase in your internal eye pressure. Glaucoma comes in different types, the most common one being open-angle glaucoma. Other types include normal or low-tension glaucoma, congenital glaucoma, and angle-closure glaucoma. It is crucial that you take glaucoma seriously. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, and many people do not realize they are at high risk for the disease until they have already lost some of their vision. Early detection can prevent this from occurring.

Glaucoma Symptoms

If you notice symptoms of glaucoma, you need to see our eye doctors right away. Common signs of glaucoma include:

• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Light sensitivity or halos
• Vision loss

How We Diagnose Glaucoma

When you visit our optometrists, one part of your annual exam is to measure the pressure of the fluid in your eye. This test may be performed with a puff of air or with a tonometer, which briefly touches your eye to measure pressure. The test is quick, and the results can tell our doctors if we should move forward with other tests to confirm a glaucoma diagnosis.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Unfortunately, glaucoma cannot be cured. Once you lose your vision because of glaucoma, it's impossible to reverse. However, lowering the eye pressure in the initial stages may slow the progression of glaucoma, saving your sight. Our eye doctors may recommend laser surgery in the later stages of glaucoma. However, some cases may call for traditional surgery.

Contact Our Optometry Team for Vision Care in Conroe 

Today's Vision Conroe in Conroe can help diagnose and manage your glaucoma. Call our office today for more information about our optometry services or to schedule your next exam.