January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time used to educate the public on the dangers of glaucoma to your vision. Glaucoma is a term given to a group of eye disorders that are often, but not exclusively, age-related. Your eye doctor can detect glaucoma using special equipment during comprehensive eye exams. Several treatments are available to prevent loss of vision from glaucoma.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that causes fluid to build up in the eyes, damaging the optic nerve. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms, which can delay the treatment of the disease and reduce the pressure in the eyes. Regular eye doctor visits can help prevent vision loss from glaucoma.
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by fluid buildup at the front of the eye. Several different factors can contribute to the fluid buildup. The increase in eye pressure constricts blood flow to the optic nerve. Over time, the pressure in the eyes can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
In the first stages of glaucoma, the person may not notice any symptoms. As the disease progresses, there may be blank spots in your peripheral vision, blurred vision, eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. You may also experience haloes around lights.
Treating Glaucoma
Damage to the optic nerve cannot be reversed once it has occurred. However, appropriate treatment can halt the progression of the disease so that individuals can retain their vision. Several different types of prescription eye drops are used that can help reduce the pressure in the eyes and must be administered regularly. Oral medications may also be prescribed. Laser treatment is sometimes needed to allow the excess fluid to drain from the eyes. Inserting tiny fluids to drain fluid from the eyes is another technique used.
Contact Advanced Eye Surgeons For A Consultation
The eye professionals at Advanced Eye Surgeons use their extensive training to protect the vision of all their patients in Boca Raton, FL, Tamarac, and nearby communities. Contact their office in Boca Raton at 561-931-2655 or in Tamarac at 954-726-2080 for an appointment to examine your eyes for glaucoma.
