The Signs And Symptoms Of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which damage to your optic nerve results in vision loss. Most often, the damage is caused by elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure) caused by inadequate drainage of fluid from the inside of the eye. As the pressure inside the eye rises, it can eventually damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting information to the brain.

There are a few different forms of glaucoma, but the most common one is the primary open-angle glaucoma. Unfortunately, primary open-angle glaucoma also has no symptoms. The first time you recognize you may have it might be when you notice blind spots in your peripheral vision. At this point, your vision loss is irreversible, but your remaining vision can be protected and treated.

Acute or angle-closure glaucoma symptoms include:

• Halos around lights
• Eye pain
• Headaches
• Vomiting or nausea
• Vision loss – may be partial or total, and affect either or both eyes
• Acute glaucoma requires immediate attention to avoid permanent vision loss.

You shouldn’t wait for glaucoma symptoms to appear, however. By the time symptoms appear, you’ve already lost some of your vision. It’s important to make sure you are having regular eye exams for someone with your eye health, age, and glaucoma risk factors.

What glaucoma treatments are available?

Glaucoma treatment generally begins with medicating eye drops that help alleviate intraocular pressure. There are many different types of drops, so there are plenty of options available that have minimal side effects and no negative interactions with other medications you may take.

If eye drops don’t seem to help your eye pressure enough, surgery can also be done to improve the outflow of fluid from the eye. Most often, this means laser surgery, but traditional types of surgery are also an option.

Why should I choose American Eye Associates for my glaucoma treatment?

It’s true that almost any eye doctor can help you with early-stage glaucoma but most will refer you to another practice once your glaucoma reaches a certain point. At American Eye Associates, we are capable of offering treatment at any stage of glaucoma. That means you can continue with the same physician and feel confident and comfortable in your care.

To learn more about glaucoma treatment in San Diego and the surrounding locations, please contact us for an appointment.