Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a category of eye disorders linked to dangerously raised internal
eye pressure. The build-up in eye pressure can damage the eye’s optic nerve
disrupting the transmission of visual information to the brain. Early stages of
untreated glaucoma include a loss of your peripheral vision and progressed eye
damage could eventually lead to blindness.
Most cases of glaucoma are not typically associated with pain and
also produce no noticeable symptoms until vision loss occurs. Because of
this, many cases go unnoticed until irreversible optical nerve damage has
occurred along with a range of permanent vision loss.
There are two main types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and
closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma accounts for most cases. It
is painless and the only signs are gradual loss of peripheral vision and
optic nerve changes. Closed-angle glaucoma accounts for a small
percentage of glaucoma cases. Closed-angle glaucoma symptoms include
sudden eye pain, halos around lights, red eye, increased eye pressure,
nausea and a sudden loss of vision. Closed-angle glaucoma is considered
an eye emergency and should be handled by a professional to prevent
permanent vision loss.
Routine eye exams include a screening for glaucoma using a machine
called a tonometer. The tonometer is used to measure the pressure inside
your eye. One of the most common tonometers use a puff sent onto the
surface of the eye to test the internal pressure. Another method of
glaucoma screening involved advanced imaging technology that monitors
the eyes optic nerve over the course of your exams to ensure that no
changes have occurred. Visual field testing is another way to determine
loss of peripheral vision. It involves staring ahead while holding a
button that will allow you to click when you see a flashing light in the
edges of your vision. The test catches any blind spots that may develop
as a result of damage to the optic nerve as a result of glaucoma.
Glaucoma treatment can involve surgery, or the use of lasers and/or
medication depending on the progression. Eye drops with medication are
one of the first forms of treatment used that aim to lower the internal
pressure of the eye.
If you suspect you have glaucoma, and you live in or around Boston, feel free to
contact our office to schedule an eye exam with one of our doctors
today. We will gladly answer any of your questions and provide you with
the best treatment options available to you. If you experience any pain,
nausea or sudden vision loss, please call our offices immediately.
Go back to Patient Information
|
