Glaucoma Specialist

 What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma encompasses many eye diseases that affect the optic nerve in your eyes, which carries images you see to your brain. This eye disease damages nerve fibers, leading to fluid and pressure buildup in your eyes and causing blind spots and vision loss.

What are the symptoms of glaucoma?

There are usually no early symptoms linked to glaucoma. Common signs and symptoms you might notice as the disease progresses include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Blind spots
• Tunnel vision
• Rainbow halos
• Red or swollen eyes
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea

The best way to protect against glaucoma’s damaging effects is to attend routine eye exams every year or at the first sign of new symptoms. 

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

While anyone can get glaucoma, certain factors boost your risk of developing it. Examples include:

• Older age
• Family history of glaucoma
• High intraocular pressure
• African American ancestry
• Optic nerve problems
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cataracts
• Eye tumors
• Eye inflammation
• Eye injuries
• Eye infections
• Blocked intraocular blood vessels

Healthy lifestyle habits, protecting your eyes from damage, and properly managing any chronic diseases can reduce your risk of glaucoma. 

How does my eye doctor diagnose glaucoma?

To find out if you have glaucoma, the Lowcountry Eye Specialists team discusses symptoms you may have and your medical history. They evaluate your vision, examine your eyes, and test the pressure within your eyes. 

Your ophthalmologist may use imaging procedures to get an in-depth picture of your eye health before developing a treatment plan.

How is glaucoma treated?

Lowcountry Eye Specialists providers offer a variety of treatments for glaucoma to save your eyesight. Examples include:

Eye drops

The first treatment is usually eye drops that reduce pressure inside your eyes. You might use eye drops for life to prevent glaucoma-related complications.

Oral medicines

Taking medications by mouth is another glaucoma treatment your eye doctor may recommend if eye drops alone don’t bring your eye pressure down to a normal range.

Laser surgery

Laser surgery can often treat glaucoma if medications haven’t worked. Your eye doctor uses a laser beam to open clogged channels in your eyes responsible for increased pressure.

Traditional eye surgery

Conventional eye surgery is another option for treating glaucoma. Your provider might recommend it if medications and laser therapies haven’t worked or if you’re not a candidate for less invasive procedures. 

To get screened for glaucoma and other eye diseases at Lowcountry Eye Specialists, call the office or request an appointment online today.