What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. The good news is, if you live in or around Springfield, PA, Chadds Ford, PA, or Holmes, PA, we at Springfield Opticians are here to help. Keep reading to learn what glaucoma is, who's at risk, and how your local optometrist may be able to help protect your eyesight.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. It's often caused by too much fluid pressure building up inside the eye, which damages the nerve over time. The most common types are open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly and without symptoms, and angle-closure glaucoma, which comes on suddenly and is very painful.

Am I at Risk?

There are several factors that increase your risk of developing glaucoma:

• Age over 60
• Family history of glaucoma
• Naturally high eye pressure
• Health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and more
• Past injury or trauma to the eyes

Recognizing Symptoms

The early stages of open-angle glaucoma usually have no obvious symptoms. That’s why eye exams are so important for early detection. Later-stage symptoms can include:

• Gradual blurry, fuzzy vision
• Loss of peripheral or side vision
• Difficulty seeing in dim light
• Headaches or mild eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting (in angle-closure glaucoma)

By the time these symptoms appear, significant vision loss has often already occurred. That’s why it’s critical not to wait for symptoms before getting your eyes checked.

Preventing Vision Loss

Our team at Springfield Opticians provides thorough glaucoma testing during routine eye exams. We'll perform an eye exam to carefully inspect your optic nerve and check for signs of glaucoma damage. Early detection gives us the best chance of protecting your vision.

Get Glaucoma Treatment and Optometry Care from an Optometrist Near You

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, we'll work closely with you to control it through prescription eye drops, surgery consultation, and ongoing monitoring. Don't risk losing your eyesight to a treatable disease. Call us at Springfield Opticians, serving (610) 558-3142 Chadds Ford, PA, (610) 543-9275 Springfield, PA, and (610) 461-7353 Holmes, PA, today to schedule your glaucoma screening. Contact us for glaucoma treatment and optometry care from an optometrist near you.