Glaucoma is caused by an increase in intraocular pressure. It gets worse over time, damages the optic nerve and can lead to total blindness if left untreated. It’s often caused when the eye fluid called aqueous humor doesn’t circulate properly in the front part of the eye. Without normal flow through the eyes’ channels, there is a blockage of blood vessels. Less common causes of glaucoma include inflammatory eye conditions, severe eye infections, chemical injury to the eye and blunt injury to the eyes.
The Two Types of Glaucoma
The two main kinds of this eye disease are open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma, the eye fluid doesn’t drain properly through the eyes’ meshwork. In angle-closure glaucoma, poor drainage is due to the small angle between the iris and cornea. Those at risk for glaucoma include Hispanic, African-American, Russian and Japanese descent, and people over the age of 40, diabetics and those with a family history of glaucoma.
For many, there are few or no symptoms of glaucoma. The first sign is often a loss in peripheral vision. Other symptoms include halos around lights, sudden eye pain, blurred vision and headache. It’s important to note that symptoms of glaucoma generally appear late in the disease. That’s why having a complete eye exam with an eye doctor is very important.
Glaucoma Treatment with Our Optometrists for Sandy Springs, Marietta, Brookhaven, Roswell, and Atlanta Communities
At Eye 1st Vision Center, our experienced optometrists diagnose and treat glaucoma with the latest methods and equipment in the field of optometry. Our optometrists examine your eyes and test your vision through dilated pupils. Diagnostic images are taken of the optic nerve and procedure known as tonometry is done to measure eye pressure. Often, eye drops are the first line of treatment for glaucoma. Eye drop treatment can reduce the formation of fluid and increase its outflow. Laser surgery may also be done to stop the progression of glaucoma. With trabeculoplasty, a tiny hole is made in the iris to increase fluid flow. With a trabeculectomy, a new channel is created to drain fluid and reduce intraocular pressure. Our optometrists will let you know what type of treatment is best for you.
If you’re experiencing changes in your vision, call us at Eye 1st Vision Center to schedule a comprehensive eye and vision exam. Give us a call at (404) 252-1702 today. We service clients in the Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Marietta, Roswell and Atlanta, GA areas.