What You Should Know About Glaucoma And Vision Loss

While many people experience glaucoma, going without treatment for the condition can lead to vision loss. This is why it's important to understand glaucoma and what you can do to manage the condition.

Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve, which transmits information from your eye to your brain, becomes damaged. This damage is usually caused by an increase in pressure inside the eye. In many situations, glaucoma leads to vision loss, but it doesn't have to.

Here's Why Glaucoma Can Cause Vision Loss

Glaucoma can cause vision loss for a few different reasons. First, the increased pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve. You might first notice that you have small blind spots in your vision, but they can grow bigger.

Some people think they'll be able to feel the pressure in their eyes, but that isn't necessarily the case. The best way to ensure you don't lose your vision is to speak with your eye doctor and get a diagnosis.

Early Diagnosis Can Prevent Vision Loss

If you experience symptoms of glaucoma, it's important to see an eye doctor right away. An early diagnosis can help prevent vision loss. Symptoms of glaucoma include difficulty seeing at night, blurry vision, eye pain, eye redness, and seeing halos.

Diagnosis for glaucoma involves a few different tests. First, your eye doctor will measure the pressure inside your eye. This is done using a tool called a tonometer. The tonometer is placed on the surface of the eye and measures the pressure inside the eye.

Your doctor may also use a gonioscope to look at the angle where your iris and cornea meet. This helps determine if you have open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma.

You Can Manage Glaucoma

If you have glaucoma, it's important to see an eye doctor regularly and follow their recommendations for treatment. With proper management, you can keep your vision.

If you have glaucoma, there are a number of treatment options available. Treatment options include eye drops, surgery, and laser surgery.

Glaucoma management includes taking treatment as prescribed by your eye doctor. Additionally, you should have regular eye exams, even if you don't have symptoms. These exams can help detect glaucoma early and prevent vision loss.

Contact Your Eye Doctor to Discuss Vision Loss

If you're concerned about vision loss, contact your eye doctor. They can help you understand the risks and treatment options available to you.