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Glaucoma occurs from damage to the eye’s optic nerve and can often lead to loss of vision and blindness. To detect glaucoma, our highly trained doctors will perform a proper screening to determine severity, examine the damage, and help you manage your glaucoma.
Early detection of glaucoma is crucial in preventing vision loss and blindness; the earlier the better. However, there is no official cure for glaucoma. There are several treatment methods that manage, slow down, or halt the process. Treatment for glaucoma will vary depending on the stage and severity of each individual patient.
There are many types of glaucoma and not all types exhibit symptoms, making regular screenings and examinations even more important. Open-angle glaucoma is often characterized by tunnel vision (more common in advanced stages) and patchy blind spots (in one or both eyes) in the peripheral or central vision. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is characterized by severe headaches, eye pain, eye redness, halos around lights, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Again, not all patients will exhibit warning signs and symptoms, but those patients who do experience symptoms should notify their doctor immediately to receive prompt treatment.
It is believed that glaucoma is the result of increased pressure in the eye causing damage to the optic nerve. When left untreated, the nerve continues to deteriorate causing blind spots in the patient’s vision.
Those who tend to be at a higher risk for glaucoma include people who:
If you fall under any of the above risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor and ensure that you are maintaining your screenings and examinations to help in your prevention of glaucoma. It is important to wear protective eyewear when playing sports and when using power tools to protect your eyes from injury. Many patients may benefit from regularly using prescription eye drops that can help reduce eye pressure and thus aid in the prevention of glaucoma. Remember to stay active, as safe and regular exercise can also help reduce eye pressure.
If you have any questions about glaucoma, don’t hesitate to contact us or call 813-926-5993.
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