The Facts About Glaucoma
- Posted on: Jan 30 2016
Glaucoma is a condition that damages your eye’s optic nerve and gets worse over time, often resulting in vision loss and blindness. It involves increased pressure which can damage the optic nerve. With early detection and treatment, however, there are often ways to protect your eyes against vision loss.
How is glaucoma detected?
One of the first signs of glaucoma is the loss of peripheral vision. Otherwise, there are generally few or no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to have a complete eye exam every one to two years to detect glaucoma early.
Contact your eye doctor right away if you experience any of the following:
• Vision loss
• Eye redness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Eye pain
• Seeing halos around lights
• Tunnel vision
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
You may be at increased risk of glaucoma if you:
• Are over age 40 and African American
• Have poor vision
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have diabetes
• Take certain steroid medications
• Are over 60, especially if you are Mexican American
• Have experienced physical injuries to the eye
• Have had conditions like retinal detachment, eye tumors and eye inflammations
• Use corticosteroids for prolonged periods of time
How is it treated?
The first line of treatment usually involves prescription eye drops. Medications and surgery are also available to treat glaucoma. The types of surgery include:
• Laser treatment. A high-energy laser beam is used to help drain fluid out of the eye. This procedure is a temporary solution that may be repeated as needed.
• Surgery. A trabeculectomy may be necessary when eye drops and laser surgery aren’t effective. This procedure creates a drainage flap in the eye, allowing fluid to drain.
There is no cure for glaucoma. That’s why early detection, prompt treatment and regular monitoring are necessary to help to control glaucoma and help reduce the chances of increased vision loss.
For more information about the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, or any of our other treatments and services, contact Dr. Giyaur today to book your appointment. We are conveniently located in Brooklyn and can be reached at here or by calling 718-676-6464.
Tagged with: eye care, eye exam, eye redness, eye surgery, Flashes, Floaters, flying spots, headache, ophthalmologist, vomiting
Posted in: Glaucoma
