Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, leading to blind spots and other symptoms. This is a serious condition that is typically diagnosed by an ophthalmologist. We offer quality eye care services at Benefield Eye Care in Gulfport and can screen for glaucoma.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Your eyes need fluid to remain healthy. Usually, fluid circulates throughout your eye and then empties through a channel at the front of your eye. If your eyes produce an excessive amount of fluid or if the fluid isn't able to drain out of the channel, it can put pressure on your eye and cause damage to the optic nerve.
While this is the most common cause of glaucoma, the optic nerve can also be damaged in other ways, such as through eye injuries or infections. The condition typically affects both eyes, but the effects may be more severe in one eye than the other. If the condition is diagnosed early, you can reduce damage to the optic nerve and prevent significant vision loss.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
Our ophthalmology expert uses a range of tools and tests to screen for glaucoma. Many people with glaucoma don't have symptoms in the early stages, but our tests can detect glaucoma and assess your condition even if you don't have obvious symptoms. Tests and tools used during an eye exam include:
- Pachymetry
- Tonometry
- Dilated eye exams
- Visual acuity tests
- Visual field tests
The risk of glaucoma is significantly higher in people over the age of 40. While you should schedule an eye exam if you've experienced blind spots or other glaucoma symptoms, the most effective way to catch and treat glaucoma is to schedule regular comprehensive eye exams.
Treatment for Glaucoma
There is a range of treatment options that can help you to manage glaucoma. Your eye doctor may recommend that you use multiple treatments to keep your condition under control. Eye drops and medication can be used to reduce pressure in the eye, protecting your optic nerve from additional damage.
In severe cases, pressure can also be reduced through glaucoma surgery. There are several types of glaucoma surgery available, including incisional surgery and laser therapy. If fluid cannot be drained through other methods, your eye doctor may recommend glaucoma implants.
See Our Ophthalmologist in Gulfport, MS
Glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss, which is why it's important to screen for this condition. Our optometry experts at Benefield Eye Care can help you detect glaucoma early, allowing us to treat the condition before your optic nerve sustains significant damage. Call our team today at (228) 328-0972 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.