Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that, left untreated, can lead to blindness.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60. In its early stages, it has no symptoms, which is why glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight.”
Regular glaucoma screenings are your best defense. Don’t put it off – book your eye exam at The Laser Eye Care Center now.
Typical glaucoma has no warning signs or symptoms, and must be diagnosed by a qualified eye doctor. Glaucoma most commonly occurs after the age of 50. Since it has no symptoms, yearly eye exams are required for everyone over 50.
There are three primary types of glaucoma, including:
Open-angle is the most common type of glaucoma. It comes about as a result of the failure of the eye’s drainage system to operate as it should. Fluid enters the system, but cannot flow properly.
This type of glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage system becomes clogged, which causes intraocular pressure.
Low-tension glaucoma is so named because it happens in the absence of intraocular pressure, but the optic nerve still incurs damage.
There is no singular cause of glaucoma. However, a variety of risk factors can raise the chances that a person will develop glaucoma, including:
Making appropriate lifestyle changes may reduce the odds of developing glaucoma, barring the existence of any other, uncontrollable risk factors.
Eye care professional have several tests at their disposal to diagnose glaucoma, including:
Damage caused by glaucoma cannot be undone, which is why treatment should begin as soon as possible.Treatment usually consists of prescription eye drops, which help to lower pressure inside the eyes. This helps to protect the optic nerve.Other treatment options, including glaucoma surgery, depend upon individual circumstances, including how far along glaucoma has progressed. They include:
The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome. Contact your eye care professional at The Laser Eye Care Center today to book a glaucoma screening exam.