Many patients have heard about glaucoma before but are not clear what glaucoma is or the danger it poses to their vision. When you visit with a Chicago cornea surgeon or an eye care specialist, it’s important that you discuss this issue with the specialist so you are aware of the warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors of glaucoma. We’d like to take this opportunity right now to look at some of the basics about glaucoma so you understand what’s at stake.
About Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a medical condition in which the pressure within a person’s eye is too great. This can lead to damage of the optic nerve and vision loss. Left untreated, a person can experience significant vision loss and even blindness. In fact, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. Given that matters, you can understand why meeting with our ophthalmologists and eye care specialists early for a screening or treatment can mean the difference between good vision and severely impaired vision.
People at Risk for Glaucoma
Some people are at greater risk for developing glaucoma than others. The elderly often suffer from glaucoma, for instance, and the instances of glaucoma increase in people over the age of 60. (Some children and younger-to-middle-aged adults suffer from glaucoma as well, but this is far more rare.)
Yet glaucoma is not just linked to age. Ethnicity and genetics can also point to potential risk factors for glaucoma. People of African descent are more likely to develop glaucoma, for instance. Diabetics, steroid users, and the severely nearsighted are also at higher risk for developing glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
The most common symptoms of glaucoma include:
· Cloudy or hazy vision
· Loss of peripheral vision
· Poor sensitivity to light
· Nausea
· Headaches
· Eye pain
· Red eye
· Crossed eyes
· Halos and starbursts
· Excessive tearing of the eyes
Detecting Glaucoma
It’s estimated that roughly 4 million Americans have glaucoma but only half of them are aware that they have it. That’s because while there are symptoms to this vision problem, it can be difficult to catch. That’s why it’s important that you have your eyes checked regularly by ophthalmologists or optometrists who are using the latest vision correction and eye care technology. Regular eye exams can help prevent the glaucoma from becoming worse.
Treatments for Glaucoma
While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are many treatments available that will help manage the pressure within the eye and help maintain a person’s vision. When you visit our eye care practice in Chicago for glaucoma treatment, we will be able to go over the best option for you and your needs in more detail. Some common treatments include medications and trabeculoplasty.
Learn More About Vision Care and Eye Health Issues
For more information about glaucoma and the treatment of other vision problems, we encourage you to contact our Chicago eye care and corneal specialists today. The entire team is here to help you and to answer all of your questions.
