Glaucoma FAQs

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can rob patients of some, if not all, of their eyesight. Early detection and treatment are important to reduce the progression of the disease. If you have not been tested for glaucoma by an optometrist in a while, it is time to schedule an eye exam. If you live in or around Bloomfield Hills, MI, contact Barry P. August O.D, P.C. today. Let’s look a some of the questions that we run into regarding glaucoma.

glaucoma-faqs

What Causes Glaucoma?

This eye disease results in damage done to the eye’s optic nerve. As the damage continues, the patient starts to develop blind spots in their vision. Glaucoma is often caused by increased eye pressure. Detecting high pressure in the eye often indicates the presence of glaucoma.

What Causes Eye-Pressure Build-Up?

There is a fluid inside the eye that flows through it. The trabecular meshwork, allows some of that liquid to flow through it. Sometimes, the eye simply makes too much of this liquid, building up pressure inside the eye. The drainage system of the eye may not work well. This lack of function can keep more fluid inside so that the pressure builds.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

In the early stages of this eye disease, there are often no symptoms at all. Vision loss usually starts slowly, and many patients do not realize their vision has changed. Patients often lose their peripheral vision or develop tunnel vision. They may also have noticeable vision loss elsewhere. It is common for patients to see a lot of glare and halos appearing around lights. Patients with glaucoma may also have pain in their eyes, eye redness, or an eye that appears hazy.

Who Gets Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is known as a common cause of vision loss after 60, but it can strike anyone at any age, even infants. It is more common in those who have a family history of the disease. People who are Hispanic, Asian, or Black have higher instances of glaucoma. Those who have medical problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes also increase their odds. If the patient has corneas that are too thin in the middle or are either extremely farsighted or nearsighted, they should be tested for glaucoma regularly.

Get Your Glaucoma Test in Bloomfield Hills, MI

If you would like to be tested for glaucoma, contact Barry P. August O.D, P.C. We will perform a comprehensive eye exam which includes looking for glaucoma. Call our team today at (248) 858-2535 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.

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