Why Is Glaucoma The Secret Thief Of Sight?
Glaucoma is a complicated condition that is very worrisome for several different reasons. The most common form of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma and is referred to as “the silent thief of sight”.
This is because it produces no noticeable symptoms, other than vision loss. The worst part is that any vision lost due to glaucoma is gone and can’t come back.
So how do you combat a condition that seems to be undetectable? Scheduling regular eye doctor appointments. Going to see the eye doctor once a year will allow for early detection of glaucoma and other conditions.
Catching problems before they cause permanent damage is crucial to keeping vision intact. Schedule one today at Pinke Eye Center in Shelton, CT!
How We Test For Glaucoma
To understand how we test for glaucoma, you need to know how it works. A normal eye has fluid inside of it that flows and provides nutrition to the nearby tissues.
If the drainage system inside the eye becomes blocked, the pressure inside the eye begins to rise. This pressure begins to press onto the optic nerve. The optic nerve is a cable of fibers connecting your eye to your brain.
Some people’s optic nerves are stronger than others and can withstand more pressure. Once the nerve becomes damaged, it will not heal.
A comprehensive eye exam can help determine a person’s normal eye pressure level. When the pupil is dilated, it becomes more open. This allows more light to enter.
This gives the doctor a clear view of what is happening inside of your eye, including your optic nerve.
To determine your current eye pressure, you may have a tonometry test. You may know it as the puff of air test, since it blows a puff of air into your eye.
The tonometer will then measure the amount of force used to push on your eye. This is what determines your interior eye pressure.
Other Forms of Glaucoma
Open-angle is not the only kind of glaucoma. There are several others with different symptoms and causes.
For example, another kind is angle-closure glaucoma. Unlike open-angle, angle-closure glaucoma comes on more suddenly.
It causes pain, nausea, and blurred vision. Vision loss is rapid with this kind of glaucoma and it is a medical emergency.
In low-tension glaucoma, high eye pressure is not necessary to experience the effects. This again highlights how important it is to receive regular eye appointments.
Treating Glaucoma
While the effects of glaucoma are not reversible, you can stop its progression. Using special medication in the form of pills or eye drops will help lower interior eye pressure.
This medication must be used consistently. Failure to adhere to the medication plan could result in more permanent vision loss.
If medication like eye drops or pills don’t help, there are surgical options as well. Talk to your eye doctor to find out what’s best for you!
Ready to take control of vision loss because of glaucoma? Contact the Pinke Eye Center in Shelton, CT to schedule your appointment today!
