At Atlantic EyeCare, we have been providing residents of Virginia Beach, VA with reliable eye care services for many years. This includes the identification and treatment of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss. It is important to schedule regular eye exams to allow our eye doctor to diagnose and treat the condition before vision loss is allowed to occur.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve. It is often inherited, although this is not always the case. Since glaucoma affects the optic nerve, it can lead to permanent vision loss. If you suspect you are suffering from glaucoma, contact our optometrist immediately. Vision lost due to glaucoma cannot be recovered, but the condition can be managed to prevent further damage from occurring.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Scientists are still not sure what the exact cause of glaucoma is. However, a buildup of fluid in your eye can lead to more pressure on the optic nerve. Since the optic nerve blood vessels are very fragile, they can easily become damaged by the pressure, resulting in loss of vision. Possible causes of glaucoma are infection, injury, or even a tumor in or around the eye.
Who Is Prone to Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is more commonly seen in people over the age of 40. In the United States alone, there are more than 2 million people that suffer from glaucoma. People that have diabetes or who suffer from nearsightedness are more likely to develop glaucoma. African Americans between the ages of 45 and 64 are likelier to become blind from glaucoma than Caucasians.
How Do I Know If I Have Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is known as “the silent thief” since it can take away your eyesight without any real warnings. Symptoms may not show until it’s too late. Depending on the type of glaucoma a person has, the symptoms may vary. For example, a person suffering from primary open-angle glaucoma may have vision loss as a first symptom. Acute angle-closure glaucoma may cause blurry vision.
Contact Our Optometrist in Virginia Beach, VA for Glaucoma Treatment
It is important to schedule regular eye exams as they allow an eye doctor to begin glaucoma treatment as early as possible. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our optometrist, call Atlantic EyeCare today at (757) 340-7070.