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About Glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause a complete loss of vision if left untreated. Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve. In the past, glaucoma has been associated with increased pressure in the eye, which is certainly true, however, some people still suffer from glaucoma despite having normal eye pressure. Glaucoma has little to no symptoms, which makes early detention key to treatment. If left untreated, glaucoma leads to permanent vision loss.

Initially vision is lost in the periphery, but eventually central vision loss also occurs. Glaucoma can occur at any age, but it usually presents after 60 years of age. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma. However, with early detection, glaucoma can be managed well with medications or surgery. At American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates, we are dedicated to helping you preserve your vision if you suffer from glaucoma.

At American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge treatments, expert surgical techniques, and the latest diagnostic services that will help you live your most healthy and comfortable life. We are happy to offer ophthalmology services to men and women in San Diego, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas of Imperial County, California. Contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with one of our expert ophthalmologists today.

What is Glaucoma Like?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Glaucoma Symptoms?

Most people who have glaucoma have no symptoms until the vision loss has become severe.However, the damage caused by glaucoma is permanent and cannot be fixed. Therefore, it is crucial that the disease is diagnosed early, as it can be managed with medications and/or surgery, helping to slow down or prevent, vision loss.

How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Most cases of glaucoma can be easily diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam. Only your eye doctor is able to correctly diagnose you with glaucoma. There are several types of glaucoma, but most people suffer from Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. At American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates we have all the technology needed to detect and diagnose glaucoma at its earlier stages. Your doctor will perform an extensive examination in order to correctly reach a diagnosis of glaucoma.

What Are Some Glaucoma Risks?

  • Glaucoma occurs at any age, however, people over 60 years of age are at higher risk for glaucoma.
  • Having Diabetes Type 2
  • African Americans and Latinos have higher rates of open angle glaucoma
  • People of Asian descent have a higher risk of developing narrow angle glaucoma
  • People of Japanese descent are at higher risk of developing normal tension glaucoma
  • Being very nearsighted (myopic) increases your risk of developing glaucoma.
  • Having a close relative with glaucoma increases your risk of developing glaucoma

Are There Any Treatments For Glaucoma?

  • Even though there is no cure for glaucoma, there are medical, LASER and surgical treatments that are effective and can control the disease.

    • Eye drops (medication) is usually the first line of treatment for glaucoma
    • LASER treatments are available
    • Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is a new treatment modality that is usually applied at the time of cataract surgery.
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