Glaucoma

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a collection of eye diseases that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated. There are several types of glaucoma, with the most common including:

Primary open-angle glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma occurs when your eye doesn't drain fluid properly. This triggers fluid retention inside your eye, leading to higher eye pressure. 

Eventually, that increased eye pressure can damage the optic nerve that relays signals to your brain. Primary open-angle glaucoma comprises at least 90% of all glaucoma cases. 

Closed-angle glaucoma

Closed-angle glaucoma, or acute angle-closure glaucoma, happens when your iris and the drainage angle inside your eye are too close together. This causes narrow or blocked drainage, leading to a dramatic and sudden increase in eye pressure. It's a medical emergency. 

Unlike open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma generally has obvious symptoms. 

A rare form of glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, causes optic nerve damage without the usual increase in eye pressure. 

What are the signs of glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma are hard to detect in the beginning. You might not notice any problems with your eyes if you have open-angle glaucoma. As the disease progresses you may notice blind spots in your peripheral (side) or central vision. 

With advanced open-angle glaucoma, you might experience tunnel vision. Acute closed-angle glaucoma can cause severe symptoms, including headache, eye pain, blurry vision, red eyes, and rings around lights. 

Glaucoma symptoms are a sign that you need medical attention immediately. Inglewood Optometric Center can diagnose and treat your glaucoma right away.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

The Inglewood Optometric Center team uses state-of-the-art technology, including Haag-Streit Octopus 600 visual field equipment and the iCare tonometer, to assess your eyes and measure eye pressure. Your provider can typically diagnose glaucoma even in its earliest stages.

How is glaucoma treated?

The certified glaucoma eyecare professionals at Inglewood Optometric Center offer effective interventions in the office. The most common treatment for glaucoma is eye drops. Prescription eye drops can reduce fluid production, improve drainage, or both. 

Eye drops can minimize the risk of optic nerve damage, but you must use them every day. In some cases, you might need oral medication to control your glaucoma. 

For severe glaucoma, you could need laser surgery, drainage implants, or traditional eye surgery to preserve your vision.

If you need a glaucoma checkup or treatment, don't wait to call Inglewood Optometric Center. The compassionate team is available by phone or through online booking now.