Vision is a remarkable gift, shaping our world perception and enriching our lives. It allows us to admire a picturesque sunset, discern subtle facial expressions, and navigate through life with confidence. Reading a captivating book or savoring a masterpiece of art hinges on our eyes. But it goes beyond simple pleasures; our eyes play a pivotal role in our safety and independence.
Sadly, the consequences of impaired vision or vision loss are profound, impacting daily activities, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Prioritizing eye health and seeking regular eye examinations is essential to prevent any condition that may jeopardize our eyesight.
What is Glaucoma? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
Glaucoma is a stealthy adversary, silently threatening your vision. This eye disease targets the optic nerve, causing insidious damage. It typically occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the front portion of the eye, elevating intraocular pressure and harming the optic nerve.
A leading cause of blindness in individuals over the age of 60, glaucoma can be a silent thief of sight. Fortunately, early treatment can often halt its progress and preserve your vision.
What is the Main Cause of Glaucoma?
It's important to know about the fluid in your eye called aqueous humor to understand where glaucoma comes from. This fluid should flow in and out of your eye normally. The drainage angle is a vital part of this process. It ensures the fluid leaves your eye as fast as it comes in, keeping the eye pressure steady. But when this drainage angle doesn't work right, fluid builds up, making the pressure in your eye go up and hurting your optic nerve.
How Do You Get Glaucoma?
Glaucoma manifests in two primary forms:
Open-angle glaucoma: This gradual onset type results from poor drainage, akin to a clogged drain. Initially, it's painless and exhibits no visible changes in vision, making it a covert threat. Regular eye exams are pivotal for individuals with optic nerves sensitive to normal eye pressure, as they face an elevated glaucoma risk.
Angle-closure glaucoma: Also known as "closed-angle glaucoma" or "narrow-angle glaucoma," this type occurs when the iris is positioned too close to the eye's drainage angle. In severe cases, the iris obstructs the drainage angle abruptly, causing a rapid surge in eye pressure — an acute attack. Such an attack is an ocular emergency that demands immediate attention to prevent blindness.
What Happens if You Have Glaucoma?
In its initial stages, open-angle glaucoma proceeds covertly with no visible symptoms. It gradually gives rise to peripheral vision blind spots.
Those at risk for angle-closure glaucoma typically experience no prelude symptoms. Early indicators of an acute attack encompass blurred vision, halos, mild headaches, and eye pain. Individuals with these symptoms should promptly consult their ophthalmologist, as untreated angle-closure glaucoma can result in blindness.
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Some people are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. This group includes those who:
- Are over the age of 40
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Belong to African, Hispanic, or Asian ethnicities
- Exhibit elevated eye pressure
- Are farsighted or nearsighted
- Sustained eye injuries
- Have a history of using long-term steroid medications
- Possess thin corneas at the center
- Exhibit thinning of the optic nerve
- Have underlying health conditions like diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, or circulatory issues
It is crucial to discuss your glaucoma risk with North Country Eye Care in West Lebanon to receive personalized guidance. People with multiple risk factors face an even higher glaucoma risk. Would you benefit from an eye test to check for glaucoma? Call us to book an appointment today.
Glaucoma Diagnosis: The Silent Thief of Sight
A comprehensive eye exam is the only definitive method for diagnosing glaucoma. Simple eye pressure screenings are inadequate to identify the disease.
During a glaucoma evaluation, your eye doctor will:
- Measure your eye pressure
- Examine the drainage angle
- Inspect the optic nerve for damage
- Assess your peripheral vision
- Employ imaging technology to capture the optic nerve's condition
- Measure the corneal thickness
In its early stages, glaucoma operates stealthily, leaving patients oblivious to its presence. Astonishingly, 50% of glaucoma sufferers are unaware of their condition. Regular eye exams are pivotal in unveiling this disease before significant vision loss occurs.
Can Glaucoma Be Stopped?
Regrettably, glaucoma-induced damage is irreversible. Once vision is lost, you cannot fully recover it. However, timely intervention can mitigate the disease's progression. Your North Country Eye Care eye doctor may employ various treatments to address glaucoma.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams to Detect Glaucoma
Regular eye exams are your shield against the stealthy progress of glaucoma, as the disease often hides its presence until there is severe damage. Don't postpone your eye exam. These routine evaluations are quick and painless, lasting just a few minutes. But they are instrumental in safeguarding your vision against glaucoma-related harm.
Early detection of glaucoma can prevent vision loss, ensuring that you enjoy clear sight for years to come. Take charge of your eye health today. Schedule an appointment with North Country Eye Care in West Lebanon for a comprehensive eye exam and ensure your vision remains clear and unobstructed.