Glaucoma is an eye disease that occurs when the optic nerve (which acts like a cable connecting the eye to the brain) is damaged by increased eye pressure. Damage to the optic nerve can result in permanent vision loss. Elevated eye pressure can sometimes occur without any pain so people may not even realize there is a problem. This is part of the reason why glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world.
Are You at Risk?
Adults over the age of 40 are at higher risk as are people of African, Asian and Hispanic descent. Other risk factors include having a family history of glaucoma or long term steroid use. Symptoms of glaucoma may include: blind spots, blurred vision and even severe pain in the eye or forehead.
We Can Help
Regular eye exams will allow your doctor to check for signs and symptoms of glaucoma. Important parts of the eye exam include checking your vision and eye pressure as well as having your eyes dilated to evaluate the optic nerve.
Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, there are numerous treatment options including eye drops, laser and surgery. The key is to catch glaucoma early before significant vision loss has occurred.
Contact Metro Eye Center to schedule an eye exam and get evaluated for glaucoma and other important eye diseases.
For more information about glaucoma, please visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology website.
This post was written in part by Ruby Varghese, an MBA/MPH dual degree student at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.