Glaucoma is actually a group of eye disorders. The most common form is called open-angle glaucoma. The whole group of glaucoma disorders involves damage to the optic nerve, usually caused by increased intraocular pressure, which is the pressure in the eye.
Open-angle glaucoma is a slow, gradual loss of vision. Symptoms may not be apparent until advanced stages, but if they do appear, they may include:
- Blurry vision
- A sense that you need more light to see
- Vision similar to if you were looking through dirty glasses
- Trouble differentiating between colors
- Loss of peripheral vision
As glaucoma progresses, the loss of peripheral vision becomes more obvious. Peripheral vision is your side vision. While decreased peripheral vision is the standard symptom associated with open-angle glaucoma, a study in the American Journal of Medical Sciences found that patients with glaucoma also reported combinations of the symptoms listed above.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness globally. In the United States, a few million people over the age of 40 have glaucoma.
Glaucoma cannot be completely cured, but early detection is essential to slow or stop further vision loss. Our team of experienced glaucoma specialists determine the best method for decreasing eye pressure. Laser treatment, surgery, eyedrops, or medications may be involved in your glaucoma treatment.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Your eye doctor is more likely to detect glaucoma in its early stages if you go to routine and regularly scheduled eye exams. Your eye doctor may be able to stop significant vision loss when the eye disorder is treated early on. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will:
- Measure eye pressure
- View the optic nerve to detect damage
- Check for any loss of vision
These steps help detect glaucoma, if it is present. If a glaucoma diagnosis is made, your eye doctor will discuss your treatment options based on the stage of the disease and other aspects of your diagnosis.
Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Northeastern Eye Institute has multiple locations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our experienced eye doctors diagnose and treat glaucoma. If you are interested in learning more, please call one of our locations and arrange a consultation today.