Glaucoma: Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors & Treatment

Glaucoma: Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors & Treatment

Aug 01, 2022

If you have eye redness or unbearable eye ache, you might have glaucoma. It is the condition that results in damage to the optic nerve. It can occur in any age group. However, glaucoma is more common in older adults. Numerous types of glaucoma generate no symptoms. This makes screening eye examination essential in preventing loss of sight.

With early detection, you can prevent or slow the damage. However, it will require a glaucoma treatment. Our eye doctor in Castle Rock provides different kinds of treatment like surgery, laser treatment, and medicines (mainly eye drops).

Common Glaucoma Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of glaucoma differ depending on the stage and type. Different glaucoma types display different warning signs. In some cases, there is no sign, mainly in open-angle glaucoma.

1. Open-Angle Glaucoma

  • Uneven blind spots in central and peripheral vision in both eyes frequently: Loss of eye vision or peripheral vision is one of the most common symptoms of glaucoma.
  • Tunnel vision (in the advanced stages): If you begin to lose seeing around the edges of your visual area, it means you require glaucoma treatment.

2. Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma

  • Vomiting and nausea: When you experience vomiting or nausea accompanied by unbearable eye ache, it’s a red flag that you need help to tackle glaucoma quickly.
  • Redness in eyes: There can also be eye redness which may signify infection, injury, or acute glaucoma.
  • Blurry vision: If you have cloudy-looking feelings in your eyes, you might be having glaucoma.
  • Severe headache and pain in the eyes: Pain in the eyes and head occurs mainly in angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Halos around lights: Rainbow-colored circles around lights are another sign of glaucoma.

If you experience any of the above-mentioned signs, get help at Founders Eyecare today.

Glaucoma Diagnosis

The only method to diagnose glaucoma is using a complete eye examination. During this, the ophthalmologist will:

  • Take a computer measurement or image of the optic nerve for measuring the cornea thickness.
  • Examine the drainage angle of the eyes.
  • Major eye pressure.
  • Check side vision.
  • Inspect the optic nerve for any damage.

Visit an eye doctor near you on a routine basis. He/she will help you diagnose and treat your glaucoma before it gets worse – long-term vision loss.

When to Visit a Doctor?

The repercussions caused by glaucoma are permanent. However, visit the eye doctor or an emergency room if you have blurry vision, sharp eye pain, or severe headache.

Who is at A High Risk for Glaucoma?

You are more prone to developing glaucoma if:

  • You are an African American and have an age of more than 40.
  • You have a family history of glaucoma.
  • You are above 60 years of age (mainly if you are Latino or Hispanic).

Schedule a detailed dilated eyes examination every 1 – 2 years if you are at high risk for glaucoma.

How Will the Eye Doctor Examine Glaucoma?

A dilated eye exam is pain-free and simple. The eye doctor will put eye drops to widen the people. After that, he/she will examine for glaucoma and other eye issues. The examination usually incorporates a test of the visual field to inspect the side vision.

Glaucoma Treatment

The health care provider will provide the best glaucoma treatment depending on:

  • Your current health condition.
  • How long the condition will stay?
  • Your previous medical and health history.
  • Your preference
  • Age
  • How appropriately you can control particular therapies, processes, or medications.

There is no lasting glaucoma treatment. But getting it diagnosed early can help you manage it effectively. Treatment options usually include:

a) Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery provides numerous benefits to glaucoma patients by reducing their IOP and enhancing vision. In a few cases, one surgery is not sufficient to reduce the advancement of glaucoma. So, the eye doctor performs repeated surgery or continuous medications as required.

b) Medications

There are also a few medicines that help treat glaucoma, such as eye drops, pills, etc. They help in controlling eye pressure and allow the patient to see comfortably. But it is required to consume the medicine on a routine basis.

c) Surgery

Sometimes an eye doctor may suggest getting glaucoma surgery near you. It helps in opening blocked eye tubes and draining fluid. If laser surgery does not help in believing the eye pressure, you may require a more conventional surgery.

Visit an Eye Clinic Near You

Are you in search of glaucoma treatment in Castle Rock, CO? You can call or book an appointment with Founders Eyecare today!

303-688-3636 Book Appointment
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