Glaucoma is an irreversible and incurable eye disease, one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and its most common form attacks without noticeable symptoms. Drs. Prudhomme and Marquis, your optometrists at Prudhomme Vision in Manchester understand that early detection of glaucoma offers the best hope for successfully stopping the progress of this disease.
The result of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the anterior chamber of your eye, glaucoma occurs when the normal fluid drainage channels no longer function causing excess fluids to create pressure. This pressure builds up in the eye until damage is done to your optic nerve. At this point, whatever vision loss that occurs is permanent.
There are several types of this disease:
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma or Chronic is the most common type, develops slowly, without noticeable symptoms.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma is much less common, occurs when those drainage channels close suddenly creating acute eye pain and vision loss.
Symptoms of Glaucoma:
- Tunnel vision
- Hazy look in the eye
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Vision loss
Who is at Risk?
Everyone is at risk, but those with a family history of glaucoma, diabetics, people over 60, African-Americans and smokers are at increased risk for the disease.
How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed and Treated?
Your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye examination, including a discussion of any pertinent family history, what medications you take and any personal history that is relevant. Once glaucoma has been diagnosed, your optometrist will determine the extent of the damage then develop a personalized treatment plan to halt the progress of the disease. Powerful medicated eye drops are generally the initial treatment for glaucoma. Beta-blockers lower the IOP by decreasing fluid production, while Prostaglandin analogs reduce the IOP by increasing fluid flow.
Your optometrists here at Prudhomme Vision in Manchester know that early detection ensures the best outcome in treating glaucoma. If you or a loved one have experienced any symptoms, call our optometry office for an appointment today. 860-612-8691.
