Glaucoma is a disease that can cause permanent vision loss. This disease damages the optic nerve, causing a person to slowly lose their vision. Regular eye exams with your eye doctor is crucial to catching this disease early in order to treat it and preserve your vision. If you're unsure whether you might have early symptoms of glaucoma, consult the frequently asked questions and answers below to learn more.

Questions About Glaucoma, Answered

What are the different types of glaucoma?

There are several different forms of glaucoma, but there are two common: open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle is the most frequently diagnosed type. It is caused by high eye pressure and develops slowly over time. Once diagnosed, it can be treated and slowed. Angle-closure glaucoma is another type caused by the blockage of eye fluid between the iris and the lens. It is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. The other types of glaucoma include congenital glaucoma, juvenile glaucoma, and secondary glaucoma. 

What are the common signs and symptoms of this illness?

Sometimes, it is difficult to notice glaucoma on your own because it develops slowly. Peripheral vision is lost first, but it’s so gradual that many people don’t notice until it’s advanced. Without regular eye doctor visits, glaucoma could advance very far without the patient noticing. That’s why it’s important to ensure you get your eyes checked regularly so that your doctor can catch glaucoma before it’s too late and you lose your vision.

How does an eye doctor diagnose it?

During regular eye exams, doctors use tonometry tests and visual field testing to catch any early signs of glaucoma. Tonometry measures eye pressure. The most common tonometry test is the air puff in which the eye doctor will observe your eye’s response to a puff of air and examine your optic nerve. Visual field testing measures the peripheral field of vision when the eye is looking straight ahead.

How is it treated?

Living a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of glaucoma, including regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. There is not a cure for this illness, but there are treatments that can preserve your vision. The most common treatment is a prescription for medicated eye drops. The eye drops will decrease the amount of fluid in the eye to lower eye pressure and stop the effects of glaucoma. While uncommon, if the eye drops don't lower the eye pressure enough, you may need a prescription for pills. While glaucoma is treatable, it can't be cured, so you will need to continue lifelong treatment.

If you are looking for eye exams for vision care, glasses, or contact lenses, reach out to Eagle Eye Care in Denham Springs, LA. This locally owned and operated eye doctor offers comprehensive eye care services. Whether you need an emergency eye exam or new glasses frames, their team provides personalized treatment plans. Call (225) 243-1950 to make an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.