Glaucoma is a common eye disorder that damages the optic nerve, which sends images from the eye to the brain. It is not one singular condition, but an entire group of disorders with a common label. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States and chances of suffering from glaucoma increase with age. However, loss of sight due to glaucoma is preventable when the condition is caught and treated early by your eye doctor.
One of the highest risk factors for developing glaucoma is high fluid pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure). When clear liquid (aqueous humor) flows in and out of the eye at an uneven rate due to fluid pressure within the inner eye, the optic nerve is damaged. Higher intraocular pressures lead to a higher risk of glaucoma. They also lead to a higher likelihood of developing glaucoma at a faster rate. Other risk factors that could cause glaucoma include:
There are many kinds of glaucoma, all of which lead to damage in the optic nerve. Of the types of glaucoma, the two main classifications are open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma.
Early detection of glaucoma is important so that it can be treated and its progression can be slowed and halted. For the good of your eyes’ health, keep regular appointments with your eye doctor so that no problem can go unnoticed. Regular exams with an eye doctor are the best way to detect glaucoma and prevent damage to your vision. If you are from the Austin or Kyle, TX area and are at higher risk for developing glaucoma, please contact Howerton Eye or schedule an appointment with us online. We look forward to seeing you in our office soon.
Request an AppointmentThe early stages in most cases of glaucoma are undetectable because they present no giant symptoms. Experts estimate that only half of the people who currently have glaucoma realize that they are affected. As such, the best way to diagnose glaucoma, and thus prevent the disorder from worsening, is by undergoing regular eye exams with your eye doctor.
During an exam at our Austin or Kyle, TX office, your eye doctor will measure your intraocular pressure, evaluate any nerve damage, check the drainage angle of your eye, and test your vision. Photographs of your optic nerves may be taken in order to view the appearance of your optic nerves as well. Through these tests you will be able to know for sure whether or not you currently have glaucoma.
Like so many other eye-related disorders, early diagnosis of glaucoma is essential. Because the early stages of glaucoma have no grand, noticeable symptoms, regular exams with your eye doctor are recommended for everyone, even those who have no eye-related problems. See below for our advice on how often to see an eye doctor for a screening.
While there is no cure for glaucoma – and vision cannot be restored once it’s been lost – many medications and procedures exist to slow the disease or stop it altogether. Some such methods for treatment include:
If you live in Austin, Southwest Austin, or Kyle, TX and are in search of a great eye doctor, look no further than Howerton Eye Clinic. We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful vision. Contact us now!
