Did you know that glaucoma describes a variety of conditions that damage the optic nerve? Glaucoma can also result in vision loss when left untreated. resulting in damage to the optic nerve and vision loss. It is not a single medical condition that affects a patient’s vision.
Glaucoma is often described as an age-related condition. It is also possible for infants to be born with a form of glaucoma. Read on for information about glaucoma symptoms, treatment options, and more!
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is not a single condition, but a group of conditions that result in damage to the optic nerve. When left untreated, glaucoma will result in loss of vision.
The most common form of glaucoma develops with age. If you take the necessary steps, it is possible to reduce your risk level of developing glaucoma.
Forms Of Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma: The most common form of glaucoma is Open-Angle Glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma doesn’t have any symptoms at first.
There is no initial pain with this form of glaucoma. Patients can develop glaucoma in either one or both eyes. Open-Angle Glaucoma symptoms include losing peripheral and central vision and tunnel vision.
Low-Tension or Normal-Tension Glaucoma: People with normal optic pressure experience optic nerve damage. They also experience narrowed side vision.
Progression of the condition is possible to reduce by lowering optic pressure by 30% or more. This is achievable with the help of prescription medications.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This condition does not allow the front of the eye to drain fluid. When the front of the eye cannot drain fluid, it results in the angle getting blocked by the iris. Angle-closure glaucoma can also result in a sudden increase in optic pressure. Symptoms include severe pain, blurred vision, nausea, and redness in the eye.
Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Patients who are experiencing symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma must seek treatment immediately!
This means going to the nearest hospital or emergency clinic if necessary. Failure to seek treatment for angle-closure glaucoma can result in blindness. Patients who undergo laser eye surgery for glaucoma treatment may be able to clear any blockages. They can also protect their vision and lower the pressure levels of the eye.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?
A comprehensive and dilated examination of the eye is required to detect glaucoma. As part of this comprehensive eye examination are the following:
Dilated eye exam: Your eye doctor will place drops in your eyes to widen the pupils. This dilates your eyes. It often takes a few hours after your dilation for your vision to return to normal.
Visual field test: The measurement of your peripheral vision. This may not be necessary if you’ve already told your eye doctor that you’ve lost your side vision.
Pachymetry: This step will measure your corneal thickness. Your eye doctor will apply drops to numb the eye. They will then use an ultrasonic wave instrument to determine how thick your cornea is.
If you have glaucoma, it’s important to make regular eye appointments. Need to schedule one? Contact our team at Stahl Eyecare Experts today!
