Glaucoma is an illness that destroys the optic nerve and can result in vision loss. The condition grows slowly and unnoticed, but you can catch it early with regular eye exams to prevent it from worsening. If you suspect you're at risk for this eye disease, here's what to know about it.

A Guide to Glaucoma

What causes glaucoma?

If fluids don't drain from the eye properly, they can build up in the visual organ. This accumulation applies pressure that damages the optic nerve, causing blind spots in your vision. If the condition is left untreated, it can eventually lead to blindness. Glaucoma is more common after the age of 40, and it usually runs in the family.

What are the symptoms?

There are two common types of this condition. One is open-angle glaucoma, which doesn't present any warning signs in the beginning stages. However, blind spots do appear when it advances. Early detection and treatment can only be achieved with regular eye exams.

The more severe type, acute-angle glaucoma, can exhibit migraines, nausea, and vomiting symptoms. Other signs include redness of the eye and cloudy or blurred vision.

How can I prevent glaucoma?

While there's no way to prevent the illness fully, some practices will help you slow its progress. Learn more about your family's eye health history, as the chance of glaucoma increases if you have relatives affected by the condition. Understanding your background will indicate whether you need more frequent eye exams.

Health problems that affect the whole body can increase the risk of glaucoma, so you should maintain a fit lifestyle. For instance, exercising at least three times a week will help reduce eye pressure. You should also wear protective eye gear when outdoors and playing sports, as damage to the visual organ can lead to glaucoma.

What are the treatment options? 

Neurons and the optic nerve in the retina do not recover after they are lost. Therefore, it's not currently possible to reverse any damage done. However, you can halt or stop additional vision loss if glaucoma is detected early. Treatment to prevent worsening includes medication like eye drops that lower pressure and laser treatment or eye surgery to improve fluid drainage.

The best method of preventing glaucoma is detecting the illness early with regular eye exams at West Valley Vision Center. This center offers quality and specialized eye care services for residents of Fairbanks, AK, including checkups and disease treatments. They use high-end technology and provide only the top brands of glasses and contacts, making sure you're comfortable and fashionable. Call (907) 479-4700 for an appointment, and visit their website for more information on their services.