Glaucoma impacts 2.7 million people over the age of 40 in the United States. While that estimate is staggering, the true number of people with glaucoma is likely much higher, as early-stage glaucoma symptoms are frequently overlooked. As the world’s second leading cause of blindness, early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma is crucial for allowing you to retain your vision.

Here, we’ll explain when you need to seek professional help for glaucoma and what to expect during your visit.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is damage to the optic nerve resulting from a buildup of fluid within the eyes. Over time, pressure from this fluid buildup can damage the optic nerve to the point of blindness.

Symptoms which may indicate that you have glaucoma include:

• Pressure in your eyes
• Headaches
• Halos around lights
• Red eyes
• Blind spots in your vision
• Blurred or narrow vision 

Unfortunately, you cannot reverse glaucoma, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, you may be able to slow its progression and prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma Diagnosis

If you notice any of the symptoms above, it’s important to contact an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

During the exam, your eye doctor will perform a series of tests to assess your general vision and eye health. If there’s reason to believe you may have glaucoma, the physician will pay particular attention to measuring your eye pressure, testing your peripheral vision and checking for optic nerve damage.

If you’re diagnosed as having glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will design a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Glaucoma Treatment

Glaucoma treatment, when the condition is detected early on, has a very high chance of preventing vision loss and potential blindness.

There are three main glaucoma treatment options:

1. Eye drops: Lowering your eye pressure is imperative, and specialized eye drops can help. These drops will need to be used daily.

2. Laser treatment: Laser therapy reduces eye pressure by encouraging drainage of eye fluid and may be standalone or done in conjunction with eye drops.

3. Traditional surgery: Traditional surgery is also designed to promote eye fluid drainage, but the approach is conducted via traditional surgical techniques. 

Seeking treatment for glaucoma will, hopefully, help you save your eyesight, but multiple treatments may be required. Blind spots in your vision may begin to form in the interim, but with early treatment, vision loss may never occur.

If you have any glaucoma symptoms, schedule an eye exam right away. The physicians and staff at North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care have decades of experience diagnosing and treating glaucoma. Contact us today at 352-373-4300 to schedule an appointment.