What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects the health of your optic nerve. The condition results when excess fluid increases the pressure in the front part of your eye, which presses on the optic nerve, and ultimately damages it.
There are numerous types of glaucoma, many of which are rare, such as congenital, neovascular, pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, traumatic, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome glaucoma, and pigmentary.
Some of the most common types that Bloomberg Eyecare treats include:
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. This condition develops gradually over time due to poor drainage of the fluid in the eye.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when your iris is too close to the drainage angle of the eye. This can lead to an obstruction that makes it difficult for fluid to drain from the eye. A complete blockage of the drainage angle can cause a sudden rise in pressure within your eye. This is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
Normal-tension glaucoma
With normal-tension glaucoma, you have the optic nerve damage similar to other kinds of glaucoma without high eye pressure.
Without proper treatment, glaucoma can lead to vision loss; it is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
Primary open-angle glaucoma doesn’t cause any symptoms in the earliest stages. However, as the condition progresses, you may notice blind spots in your peripheral vision.
In angle-closure glaucoma, you may not have any warning symptoms before the sudden attack, or you may experience:
- Eye redness
- Headaches
- Severe eye pain
- Seeing halos
- Blurred or decreased vision
Any of these symptoms need medical attention right away, and you should visit Bloomberg Eyecare for a comprehensive eye exam and glaucoma screening. The optometrists offer both diagnostic glaucoma tests and preventive screenings. Routine glaucoma tests can help identify the disease in the earliest stage.
How is glaucoma treated?
As vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible, your Bloomberg Eyecare optometrist customizes your treatment plan and focuses on preserving your existing vision, working closely with you to prevent the progression of the disease.
Medication
You may benefit from medicated eye drops that help lower pressure in your eye by reducing the amount of fluid your eye produces. Medication can also help improve the flow of fluid through the drainage angle.
Surgery
In some cases, you may need a referral for surgery to improve your eye’s natural drainage system. Many surgeries for glaucoma involve laser technology to help drain excess fluid and lower the pressure in your eye.
Bloomberg Eyecare offers referrals to local ophthalmologists and provides comprehensive after-care services to ensure your eyes heal properly.
If you have symptoms of glaucoma or need to schedule a routine glaucoma screening, call the Bloomberg Eyecare office nearest you or request an appointment online today.
