Glaucoma FAQs
Glaucoma is an eye disease that has the potential to cause permanent vision loss. It’s more common among seniors and, left untreated, can lead to total blindness. These FAQs from Monroe Family Eyecare Associates explain more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this condition.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve of your eye. The optic nerve is the part of your eye that carries data to your brain. Damage to your optic nerve can result in vision loss.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma most often develops when passages that allow fluid to drain out of your eye become blocked, causing fluid buildup within your eye. As fluid builds up in your eye, it puts undue pressure on your optic nerve, damaging blood vessels and nerve fibers to cause vision loss.
Who’s prone to getting glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs more frequently in people over the age of 40. African Americans, diabetics, and people with myopia are also at higher risk for developing this eye condition. As glaucoma is hereditary, anyone who has a family history of this disease is prone to this condition. Through annual eye exams, our eye doctor has a chance of detecting this disease early on to help preserve your sight.
How do I know I have glaucoma?
Glaucoma is known for being a “silent thief” as it can steal your sight without warning. Primary open angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma, generally has no symptoms other than vision loss. Acute angle closure glaucoma may cause eye pain, headaches, eye redness, nausea, or the appearance of halos around lights. If you suspect you may have glaucoma or any other eye disease, schedule an appointment with our Monroe eye doctor for an eye exam.
Can I go blind from glaucoma?
Glaucoma can cause blindness, but it doesn’t have to. Early detection is key to preserving your sight. Left unchecked, glaucoma often attacks peripheral vision first before destroying central vision and causing blindness.
How is glaucoma treated?
There are various options for treatment, depending on the type of glaucoma you have and its severity. We may prescribe eye drops or other medications to manage your symptoms. Laser surgery and microsurgery are additional options for treatment. After a thorough evaluation of your condition, our optometrist can recommend the best treatment for you. It’s important to note that glaucoma treatments will not restore vision that has already been lost. They can, however, prevent further loss of sight.
See Our Monroe Optometrist for Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
To schedule a consultation for glaucoma diagnosis or treatment, contact Monroe Family Eyecare Associates at (845) 783-1224 at your earliest convenience. We’re here to meet all your eye care needs.
