Glaucoma is an eye condition that affects the optic nerve of the eyes. At Wright Eye Care in Loves Park, IL, we provide eye care treatment for various issues, including glaucoma. Read below to find out the answers to commonly asked questions about the disease.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma causes significant damage to the optic nerve of the eye. Hereditary and environmental factors can cause it. However, it ultimately can compromise your vision, and cause temporary or permanent loss if it is not addressed.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Fluid buildup causes pressure in your eyes and stress on the optic nerve. Blood vessels and fibers are fragile, and pressure can cause vision loss. In addition, other factors like infection, tumors, or injuries can increase intraocular pressure and lead to the development of glaucoma.
What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
Any person can develop glaucoma, but there are certain risk factors for the disease. It is more common in people aged 40 and above. Also, African Americans are more susceptible and people with diabetes or nearsightedness. Low eye pressure and cardiovascular disease are also risk factors.
How does Glaucoma Affect Vision?
Glaucoma is very dangerous to vision since it affects the optic nerve. All information that you see is taken to the brain from the optic nerve. Both the quality and quantity of your vision can be affected by glaucoma.
Does Glaucoma Cause Blindness?
Glaucoma could eventually cause blindness, but it can be prevented and managed. You will likely lose peripheral vision first and then the central vision, which could cause complete blindness.
How Can I Tell if I Have Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a dangerous condition because it does not present any noticeable symptoms at the onset. Symptoms may not present themselves until it's too late. Annual eye exams from a qualified optometry specialist are essential to detecting and preventing glaucoma.
How Is Glaucoma Treated?
Glaucoma is typically treated with prescription eye drops and medicine. They need to be taken consistently to be effective. Surgery is required in some situations with advanced glaucoma. We can stop the progression before it gets worse.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometry Professionals in Loves Park, IL
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to treating glaucoma. At Wight Eye Care in Loves Park IL, we will detect any eye care issues and provide you with treatment immediately. Call us today at (815) 708-7083 for more information or to schedule an appointment.