Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Fortunately, early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss.
It's important to note that while glaucoma is often associated with older individuals, it can actually occur at any age, including in children. Therefore, it's essential for people of all ages to get regular eye exams to ensure they have adequate eye health.
If you're wondering what glaucoma is and what causes it, it's a group of diseases that harm the optic nerve and cause vision loss or blindness. The most common form is primary open-angle glaucoma, which occurs when clear fluid builds up in the eye, increasing pressure on the optic nerve.
Unfortunately, many people with glaucoma don't experience symptoms until it's too late. That's why it's crucial to get a comprehensive dilated eye exam regularly. If you're at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, you may need more frequent eye exams.
During this examination a scan of the back of the eye, known as an OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), will be performed to examine the optic nerve for damage.
If you're diagnosed with glaucoma, there are several treatment options available, including eye drops and eye surgery. The goal of treatment is to prevent further vision loss and manage the pressure in your eye.
In summary, glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated. However, early detection and treatment can help prevent further vision loss. To protect your vision, it's important to get a comprehensive eye exam regularly. If you're at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, speak to our Optometrists about more frequent eye exams.
