Guide to Glaucoma with Our Optometrist

Glaucoma is one of several conditions that can impact your vision. It’s one of the top leading causes of blindness. However, being proactive can help prevent vision loss. Our team at ClearView Eyecare in Bellingham, WA, put together this quick guide to help. 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not one condition, but the name for a group of conditions that can damage the optic nerve. This nerve is crucial for sight, relaying visual information to the brain. You may lose part or all of your vision when it's damaged.

With glaucoma, this damage typically occurs due to a build-up of fluid that creates pressure in the eye. The fluid is natural, but intended to drain as your eye makes more. Sometimes, though, it cannot drain properly or at all, which leads to a build-up.

What Are the Symptoms?

Glaucoma is often characterized by different symptoms, such as those listed below:

  • Blurry vision

  • Cloudiness of the cornea

  • Halos around lights

  • Excruciating pain in the eye

  • Red eyes

  • Spots in your central vision

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma can be detected and diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Such an exam allows your optometrist to measure your eye pressure, look at your drainage system and optic nerve, measure your cornea’s thickness, and much more.

Having these exams regularly is important, as it takes some time for symptoms to show up. However, your optometrist can watch for related signs and work with you before the condition worsens.

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

There are several methods for managing and treating glaucoma, beginning with lifestyle changes to help decrease the pressure in your eyes. When these changes are made early enough, they can help prevent the condition's progression.

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medicated eye drops can be used to lower pressure in the eye. Surgery is also available to address issues in the eye’s drainage system. Your optometry specialist will guide you through the best options for your needs.

Schedule an Eye Exam with Our Optometrist

Don’t sit back and wait for glaucoma to steal your vision. Instead, make an appointment with our optometry team at ClearView Eyecare in Bellingham, WA, by calling (360) 392-8306 today.