What Is Glaucoma and How Is It Treated?

Your eyes and your vision are something most people take for granted. You open your eyes and expect to see the beautiful world around you. Glaucoma is a threat to your vision. You need to be aware of it and treat it if you have it. To get a glaucoma screening, you can count on our optometrist at Wight Eye Care in Loves Park, IL.

Glaucoma is an increase in pressure on the eye that causes damage to the optic nerve. A doctor of optometry can do the necessary tests to determine if you have glaucoma. Fluid is constantly made in your eyes, and as new fluid is made, an equal amount of old fluid drains out. When it isn't draining correctly, the pressure from the excess fluid causes the damage.

Types of Glaucoma

There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common and happens so gradually that the damage can go unnoticed for years if you are not getting regular exams from your doctor of optometry.

Closed-angle glaucoma usually results in an acute attack that comes very quickly and, if not treated immediately, can result in blindness.

Treatments

Eye drops are the primary form of treatment for glaucoma. When used every day, they can usually control the amount of pressure in the eye. While protecting your vision, these drops also come with side effects that may affect your quality of life. They can also interact with other medication that you may be taking, so make sure your optometrist knows everything you take.

Laser surgery is another type of treatment for glaucoma. There are two types of laser surgery, one for open-angle glaucoma and one for closed-angle glaucoma. The surgery is quite different, but the end result is the same: to lower the pressure in your eye.

Contact Our Optometrist in Loves Park, IL

When you are in need of quality eye care, Wight Eye Care offers glaucoma testing and much more. Call our team today at (815) 708-7083 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.