Glaucoma is the collective name for several related eye conditions, and it is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Glaucoma is caused by elevated intraocular pressure, which is the pressure of the tissue within the eye.
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition, and it gradually degrades peripheral vision. The progression of open-angle glaucoma is so slow that most patients aren’t even aware of it until permanent damage has already occurred. Left untreated, open-angle glaucoma can cause tunnel vision and blindness. See our online glaucoma simulation to learn how advanced stages of glaucoma affect your vision.
Closed-angle glaucoma is relatively uncommon, but its sudden appearance requires immediate medical treatment. Eye pain, red eyes, halo effects, blurry vision, and nausea are all potential warning signs of closed-angle glaucoma and should prompt you to seek medical care right away.
The only reliable way to diagnose glaucoma is to have regular eye exams that include a glaucoma test. When our Scranton ophthalmologists catch glaucoma in its early stages, we can treat it and prevent further damage to your eyes.
Please contact Northeastern Eye Institute today to schedule your glaucoma screening. We are pleased to serve patients in Scranton and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.