Everyone needs to understand the effects of glaucoma. This condition can be exceptionally harmful to the eyes and your way of life. Visionary Eye Care in Elizabeth City, NC, is a team of professionals committed to providing the highest quality and comprehensive care for those struggling with glaucoma. Learn more about the condition below.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve of the eye. The optic nerve transmits signals from the eye to the brain. If this part of the eye is damaged, it can lead to permanent visual impairment or blindness. There are two types of glaucoma, open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form and is caused when the fluid pressure within the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve. Closed-angle glaucoma is less common and is caused when the fluid drains too slowly, causing pressure to build within the eye.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
In most cases, glaucoma does not present symptoms at the onset, making it challenging to detect. However, some common symptoms of glaucoma include the following:
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision or tunnel vision
- A feeling of a foreign body in the eye
Optic nerve damage can also cause the optic nerve to swell, causing pain and headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Severe acute glaucoma can cause sudden vision loss that requires immediate medical attention. Always contact our office for a glaucoma screening if you have symptoms of glaucoma. An optometrist from our team will give you an accurate diagnosis.
Treating Glaucoma
There is no cure for glaucoma, but several treatments can stop the progression of the disease and help you live a better quality of life. Treatments include medicines to control eye pressure and laser surgery to reduce intraocular stress. If you have glaucoma, there is a chance it will progress despite treatment. Therefore, we will always provide eye disease management tips at our office to help you control glaucoma.
Contact Visionary Eye Care for Glaucoma Treatment
Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that doesn't have to disrupt your life. At Visionary Eye Care, we know how valuable your eyesight is, especially if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma. We have the experience, expertise, and latest treatments to help you manage your glaucoma disease. Contact us today at (252) 512-5004 to learn how we can help you manage your condition and book an appointment with an eye doctor.