Glaucoma: Symptoms and Causes

Glaucoma is one of the main causes of blindness for individuals over the age of 60. With early treatment and intervention, this disease can be prevented. Our team at Eye Care Center Limited can evaluate your eye health and provide you with the most effective treatment possible.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to your optic nerve and continues to get worse over time. It occurs due to fluid build-up and pressure to the frontal section of your eye. As the condition worsens, glaucoma can lead to permanent visual impairment as well as complete blindness.

Glaucoma Symptoms

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Intense eye pain
• Eye redness
• Blurred vision
• Visual disruptions
• Observing colored rings around lights

Causes of Glaucoma

The aqueous humor, which is the fluid inside of your eye, normally moves out of your eye by way of a mesh-like channel. Once the channel gets obstructed, there will be a build-up of fluid. There are other causes of glaucoma that include serious eye infection, chemical or blunt injury to your eye, and inflammatory issues. In rare circumstances, having eye surgery performed can also cause this disease.

Types of Glaucoma

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This uncommon type of glaucoma requires urgent medical attention. Angle-closure glaucoma is brought on by the angle closing in between the cornea and the iris. Blocked drainage canals cause a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. It evolves quickly and the symptoms and damage are apparent immediately.

Congenital Glaucoma: This type of glaucoma affects babies and happens in the prenatal state as a result of insufficient development of the eye’s drainage canals. In less serious cases, microsurgery can repair structural defects. Severe cases are treated with surgery and medication.

Open-Angle Glaucoma: Approximately 90 percent of glaucoma cases are open-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma occurs due to slow clogging of the eye’s drainage canals which causes excessive eye pressure. The symptoms and drainage are not easily noticed as the condition develops gradually.

Glaucoma Treatment

While glaucoma cannot be reversed, routine checkups and treatment can assist with slowing the progression and preventing vision loss. The treatment of glaucoma consists of decreasing eye pressure through oral medications, prescription eye drops, surgery, or laser treatment. Our optometrist will assess your condition and recommend the correct treatment for you.

Optometry Services in Burbank and Addison

If you are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, you will need treatment as soon as possible. Serving the Burbank and Addison areas, our optometrist at Eyecare Center Limited will conduct a thorough eye exam and explain your treatment options. Contact us today to schedule an optometry appointment.