Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of conditions characterized by damage to your optic nerve. When left untreated, this damage becomes progressively worse, resulting in vision loss and blindness. 

There’s no cure for glaucoma, but with early diagnosis, it’s possible to manage and slow its progression. Anyone can experience glaucoma, but it’s especially common in people who are 60 and older.

Who is at risk of glaucoma?

Glaucoma affects people of all races and genders, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being 60 or older
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Having corneas that are thin near the center
• Being extremely nearsighted or farsighted

You’re also more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure.

What are the types of glaucoma?

The team at Lake Orion Vision treats several types of glaucoma, including:

Open-angle glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma occurs when the meshwork at the back of your eye becomes partially blocked. This causes pressure in your eye to gradually increase over time. The excess pressure damages your optic nerve, resulting in poor vision.

Angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when your iris bulges outward, partially blocking the drainage angle formed by your cornea and iris. This prevents fluid from building up through your eye causing the pressure to increase. Angle-closure glaucoma can occur suddenly or over an extended period.

Normal-tension glaucoma

Normal-tension glaucoma causes damage to your optic nerve without any change in eye pressure. Experts aren’t sure why normal-tension glaucoma occurs, but it’s likely due to a weak optic nerve or low blood supply.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

To diagnose glaucoma, the team at Lake Orion Vision conducts a comprehensive eye exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle.

Afterward, they conduct a series of visual field tests and order an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. An OCT takes detailed pictures of the backs of your eyes, allowing for a thorough diagnosis.

How is glaucoma treated?

Treatment for glaucoma depends on the type of glaucoma you have and the severity of your symptoms. Though there’s no cure for the condition, regular check-ups and follow-up appointments can slow the damage and preserve your vision.

Your Lake Orion Vision provider might recommend:

• Prescription eye drops
• Oral medications
• Laser treatment
• Surgery

The team at Lake Orion Vision doesn’t perform laser treatment or surgery on-site, but they can refer you to a specialist in the area who does.

If you’re concerned about your risk of glaucoma, schedule an appointment at Lake Orion Vision today. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member, or book a consultation online.