Glaucoma Awareness Month: Symptoms and Causes of Glaucoma
- Posted on: Jan 15 2024
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can lead to complete vision loss. This condition places pressure on the optic nerve, damaging it and eventually leading to blindness. The only way a doctor can check for glaucoma is with a dilated eye exam.
While there is no cure for glaucoma, treating it as soon as possible can prevent complete loss of vision. Since there are no early symptoms of glaucoma, it’s imperative that you have your eyes checked frequently.
This Glaucoma Awareness Month, Physicians Eye Clinic is highlighting the importance of frequent eye examinations for the early identification of glaucoma.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain groups may be at a higher risk, including:
- Those over the age of 60.
- African Americans over the age of 40.
- Those with diabetes.
- Those with a family history of glaucoma.
If one or more of these apply to you, be sure to schedule regular eye exams to check for glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
While glaucoma doesn’t have symptoms in its early stages, it does in its later stages. Different types of glaucoma have different symptoms, including:
- Open-Angle: Starts with patchy blind spots in your peripheral vision and graduates to your central vision.
- Acute Angle-Closure: You may have nausea or vomiting, severe headaches, severe eye pain, blurred vision, red eyes, or see halos around lights.
- Normal-Tension: Your vision blurs gradually. You may lose your peripheral vision in later stages.
- Pigmentary: You may gradually lose your peripheral vision, see halos around lights, and your vision may blur when you exercise.
Causes of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is when your optic nerve suffers damage and gradually deteriorates. In most cases, the damage is usually related to the pressure in your eye. The pressure is caused by built-up fluid, which occurs when the drainage between the cornea and iris is blocked.
Learn More About Glaucoma Treatment in Everett, WA
Schedule your annual eye exam today at Physicians Eye Clinic. We provide accurate and efficient diagnosis and treatment options to stop the progression of glaucoma. To arrange for an appointment, please call 425-259-2020. We proudly serve Everett, WA, and the surrounding areas.
Posted in: Eye Care
