Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the pathway that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often caused by a buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). However, not everyone with high IOP develops glaucoma. There are also cases of glaucoma with normal pressure. Age, family history, certain medical conditions, and other factors can also contribute to the development of this disease. Since glaucoma often doesn't present with noticeable symptoms in the early stages, regular eye exams, especially after 40, are crucial for early detection.
Glaucoma can have devastating consequences if left untreated. The initial damage might go unnoticed as it often affects peripheral vision first. This disease can cause peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, blind spots, and complete vision loss. Through a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor is able to evaluate and diagnose glaucoma.
While there's no cure for glaucoma, there are effective treatments to manage the disease and prevent further vision loss. Common treatment options include:
