Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the number-one cause of vision loss, and any vision loss you experience is irreversible. The Optometrist at BLINK, Dr. Stacy Coen, provides glaucoma evaluations and works with Ophthalmologist to offer treatment with medications and surgery. Call the office for an eye exam or schedule an appointment online for more information about glaucoma today. 

Which type of glaucoma do I have?

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness. It comes from damage to your optic nerve, which is the nerve that leads from your eye to your brain and allows you to see. 

There are two main types of glaucoma:

Open-angle glaucoma 

Open-angle glaucoma causes increased pressure inside your eye and is the more common of the two types. It happens because of improper fluid drainage in your eyes’ drainage canals. 

Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma happens when one of the drainage canals in your eyes is blocked. It can be a very serious and acute condition, meaning it happens very suddenly. You need immediate medical attention if it happens. 

What are the main risk factors for glaucoma?

Several risk factors for glaucoma increase your likelihood of developing it at some point in your life. Some of the most common are:

• Being over 60 (or over 40 for African Americans)
• A family history of glaucoma
• Having diabetes
• Having high blood pressure
• Having heart disease
• Physical eye injuries

Your optometrist can help you determine your risk for glaucoma and can detect signs during routine eye exams. 

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

Glaucoma symptoms vary and tend to get worse over time. You should report your symptoms right away, no matter which type of glaucoma they indicate. 

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of glaucoma are:

• Blurry vision
• Tunnel vision
• Rainbow-colored circles around the lights in your vision
• Sudden vision loss
• Severe eye or head pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Sudden symptoms like vision loss or vomiting indicate angle-closure glaucoma, while more gradually-developing vision problems can indicate open-angle glaucoma. 

Is glaucoma treatable?

There is no cure for glaucoma, but it is treatable with professional care. Your optometrist at Dr. Stacy Coen may recommend medications or surgery to manage your glaucoma and prevent future vision loss. Any vision you’ve already lost cannot be restored, which is why it’s important to pursue treatment for glaucoma in its early stages. 

For more information about glaucoma, its complications, and its treatments, call Dr. Stacy Coen at BLINK or book an appointment online today.