What is glaucoma?
Did you know that glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans but that it is also entirely preventable and easily treatable? If you’re wondering, “what is glaucoma?” you’re not alone. Here’s everything you need to know about glaucoma from Beyond 2020; the experts in glaucoma Odessa, FL locals have come to trust the most.
What is Glaucoma?
There is a common misconception that glaucoma is strictly an ocular pressure disease, but this isn’t always correct. Glaucoma can be caused by normal pressure, as well as elevated pressure. There are several types of glaucoma and each one has a different etiology, but the common thread between them all is the treatment, lowing intraocular pressure. The optic nerve comprises over one million nerve fibers and carries images from the eye to the brain for processing. When optic nerves incur damage, blind spots can develop over time.
These blind spots can go undiagnosed and untreated in early stages, leading to the long-term damage known as glaucoma. However, if you’re watchful, you can spot the signs of glaucoma and receive proper treatment early on and prevent additional nerve damage before it starts.
To best stop glaucoma from causing permanent harm to your vision, our team of vision experts can help pinpoint risk factors, signs, and symptoms before your condition has advanced. That way, you can get glaucoma treatment as soon as possible.
What Causes High Eye Pressure?
To maintain a healthy level of pressure, your eye produces a clear fluid called aqueous. This fluid flows continuously through a tiny drainage system to keep your eye lubricated and protected from dryness and debris. If this drainage system becomes clogged for whatever reason, the pressure within your eye increases, causing damage to the optic nerve if not cleared promptly or efficiently.
How To Know If You Have Glaucoma
At Beyond 2020 Vision Specialists, we believe that patient education can assist in early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of any eye condition. Unfortunately, early signs of glaucoma are often subtle enough to go undetected. Consequently, glaucoma can develop aggressively for years without recognizable symptoms. Besides, how can you prevent damage from glaucoma if you don’t know what you’re looking for? Here are the signs and risk factors of glaucoma Odessa, FL locals should be aware of.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Genetics, Age, and Ancestry
Health Conditions Correlated with Glaucoma
Prior Eye Injury
It’s well-known that those with prior muscle or ligament injuries, or those who have had surgery, are at risk for a second or similar injury in the same injury area. However, did you know the same risk is at play for your eyes? The risk for glaucoma increases significantly as you age if you’ve experienced prior eye trauma or if you’ve had eye surgery before.
Glaucoma advances quickly, often without recognition. If you have any risk factors for glaucoma, you must regularly check your vision before the damage is done.
If you do have glaucoma, it’s not too late. Our team of specialists can provide you with treatment or intervention if necessary.
Glaucoma Severity
Glaucoma varies in severity and can advance in stages for some individuals. If you have glaucoma, you may experience one or more blind spots but may never lose complete use of your sight. Although this is promising, it’s not a reason to ignore the signs or deny yourself treatment. If you experience even one blind spot, schedule a consultation with your eye doctor to have it checked out.
Treatment For Glaucoma
Treatment for glaucoma is often preventative, although surgical intervention is possible for more severe or advanced cases after it has already developed. Because eye pressure plays an integral role in the development of glaucoma, check with your doctor about prescription eye drops that might help with drainage and lubrication.
Whether you’re playing sports, constructing a new home, or lounging in the sun, wear protective eyewear to safeguard your eyes. Talk to your doctor about customized lenses and frames for sunglasses. Be sure to ask for suggestions regarding the use of safety goggles, depending on the activity.
You may not think partial or total blindness from glaucoma could happen to you, but glaucoma is the number one cause of blindness in the United States, particularly for older folks. Your eyes are a small and very essential part of your well-being. They help you visualize the world and help you see where you’re going. Therefore, it’s vital to protect them to the best of your ability. Don’t wait until glaucoma is too advanced to slow the progression. Schedule a glaucoma screening today.
