Glaucoma
Glaucoma damages the eye's optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It usually happens when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, damaging the optic nerve. Often there are no symptoms at first, but a comprehensive eye exam can detect it. Typically, there is loss of peripheral vision that can progress with time, if left untreated, to involve the central vision.
People at risk should get eye exams at least every two years or more frequently if indicated. They include:
Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss. Treatments usually include prescription eyedrops or SLT laser surgery(selective laser trabeculoplasty). If the pressure remains uncontrolled while maximizing the above measures, filtering surgery would be the next option.
Glaucoma damages the eye's optic nerve. It is a leading cause of blindness in the United States. It usually happens when the fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises, damaging the optic nerve. Often there are no symptoms at first, but a comprehensive eye exam can detect it. Typically, there is loss of peripheral vision that can progress with time, if left untreated, to involve the central vision.
People at risk should get eye exams at least every two years or more frequently if indicated. They include:
- African Americans over age 40
- People over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
- People with a family history of glaucoma
- Chronic use of steroids (pill, drop, injection, nasal spray)
Early treatment can help protect your eyes against vision loss. Treatments usually include prescription eyedrops or SLT laser surgery(selective laser trabeculoplasty). If the pressure remains uncontrolled while maximizing the above measures, filtering surgery would be the next option.
