You’ve most likely heard of glaucoma; it is one of the most common causes of blindness, and it is experienced by many people over the age of 40. But how much do you really know about glaucoma? We’re here to explain!
What is it?
Glaucoma is a term referring to a type of disease that damages the optic nerve in your eye. It is the result of problems in the normal draining functions of the eye. If the fluid cannot properly drain, the pressure in the eye rises. The high pressure causes damage to the optic nerve. Because the optic nerve is responsible for connecting the retina to the brain, which is essential for sight, glaucoma could potentially lead to vision loss and, in the worst case, blindness. This, known as open-angle glaucoma, is the most common form of the disease. However, there are other forms of the disease as well, and it can even develop due to eye surgery or other medical stress.
How can I prevent it?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, so it is important that no matter who you are, you take the necessary precautions to try to lessen your risk. As with many diseases, early detection and treatment are key. Everyone should occasionally have their eyes examined by an eye care professional. If you have a particularly high risk for glaucoma due to your demographic or a family history, you should have a dilated eye exam approximately every two years.
What are the options for treatment?
There are many comprehensive treatment methods that can help save your vision, especially if glaucoma is detected early enough. At first, glaucoma has no symptoms, but as time goes by, a person with glaucoma could experience fading peripheral vision. If this occurs, be sure to contact your eye care professional immediately. If glaucoma is detected, crucial treatment can begin right away. Medicine, including eye drops or pills, is the most common early treatment method. For more serious cases, surgery can be an option as well.
If you think you may be experiencing glaucoma symptoms or have any other questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (703) 876-9700 or schedule an appointment online today! The highly-qualified team of professionals at Silk Vision & Surgical Center are more than happy to discuss your options and determine the right treatment plan for you.
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