Like many people, you may take your sight for granted until you develop eye conditions or diseases. Some eye diseases can even cause permanent vision loss. Glaucoma is one of those diseases. These FAQs from Today’s Vision in Conroe explain more about glaucoma and how it can affect your sight.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease defined by damage to the optic nerve, which results in permanent loss of vision. Glaucoma typically occurs when fluid fails to drain properly due to blocked drainage angles in your eyes. As the fluid builds up, it puts undue pressure on your optic nerve, causing permanent damage to your vision.
What causes glaucoma?
Various factors can cause the eyes' drainage angles to clog so that fluid doesn’t drain properly from your eyes. Eye injuries or infections can also affect drainage, causing intraocular pressure to rise. Eye tumors and poor blood circulation can also result in a rise of eye fluid pressure, leading to optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Who is most susceptible to glaucoma?
Glaucoma is hereditary in many cases. It occurs more often in people over the age of 40. If you’re nearsighted or have diabetes, you’re also at greater risk for developing glaucoma. African Americans are also more susceptible to this eye condition. Through routine eye exams, our optometry specialist can detect early warning signs of glaucoma so you can take preventative measures against blindness.
Will I go blind if I have glaucoma?
Early diagnosis of glaucoma is key to preserving your sight. This disease can be diagnosed through an eye exam. If you show signs of glaucoma or any other eye disease, our Conroe optometrist can provide you with treatment options to help save your sight.
What are some symptoms of glaucoma?
There are two main types of glaucoma. Symptoms may vary depending on the type you have.
With primary open-angle glaucoma, you may experience no symptoms during the early stages of the disease. This type of glaucoma develops slowly and often painlessly over a period of time, destroying your vision gradually.
Acute-angle closure glaucoma occurs when the eyes' drainage channels suddenly become blocked, causing eye pressure to rise rapidly. Symptoms include pain, blurred vision, eye redness, and the presence of rings or halos around lights.
How do optometry specialists detect glaucoma?
Our Conroe optometrist will test you for glaucoma during your eye exam. We’ll also check your optic nerve for signs of damage and measure your range of vision.
How is glaucoma treated?
If caught early, glaucoma can be treated with prescription eye drops designed to lower intraocular pressure so you don’t suffer vision loss. Laser therapy and eye surgery are additional treatment options that can be utilized to preserve your sight.
See Your Conroe Optometrist for Glaucoma Testing
To schedule an eye exam and test for glaucoma, contact Today's Vision in Conroe at (936) 788-2600.
