What is Glaucoma?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60. However, glaucoma glaucomais a treatable condition with help from your ophthalmologist and a variety of methods to reverse its effects are available. Learn exactly what glaucoma is and what a diagnosis can mean for you and your eyes with Brandon Eye Associates with locations in Brandon and Plant City, FL.

What is glaucoma? 
Glaucoma damages the eye’s optic nerve and comes from fluid building up in the front area of the eyeball. The fluid creates pressure, which, in turn, begins to damage the optic nerve and cause the symptoms of glaucoma. Though this disease can cause blindness, it is treatable and even curable in its early stages, making early detection crucial to treating glaucoma. There are two types of glaucoma, one which slowly causes a blockage of the drainage around the optic nerve (open-angle glaucoma) and one in which the iris is too close to the drainage area, causing it to become blocked very quickly (angle-closure glaucoma).

Do I have glaucoma? 
Open-angle glaucoma occurs slowly over time and often does not produce immediate symptoms. Though there are no outward warning signs in its earliest stages, your eye doctor can identify it during a routine examination. As the disease advances into the more severe stages, blind spots begin developing in the peripheral vision. Angle-closure glaucoma occurs in attack form and comes on swiftly, usually without any warning. The attack can produce symptoms such as severe pain in the eye, redness and decreased vision, blurriness, nausea, vomiting, and seeing rainbows or halos.

Mild versions of these symptoms may be a sign that an attack is imminent, and those experiencing them should see their ophthalmologist right away. Those who have a family history of glaucoma, are over the age of 40, who have vision that needs correction, or who have other conditions like diabetes, migraines, or poor circulation are more at risk for glaucoma.

Treating Glaucoma in Brandon and Plant City 
Consulting with your eye doctor is the best way to find a suitable treatment option for your glaucoma. The damage from glaucoma is permanent and cannot be reversed, but the condition can be stopped in its tracks. This makes early detection important as early treatment means avoiding the later, more damaging, stages of the disease. Your doctor may recommend medication, eye drops, or surgery to correct your glaucoma.

For more information on glaucoma or its treatments, please contact Brandon Eye Associates with locations in Brandon and Plant City, FL. Call (813) 684-2211 to schedule your appointment today!

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