Q and A With the Pros: All You Need to Know About Glaucoma
Approximately 60 million individuals have glaucoma, which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. At Grove City Vision Center, we believe that spreading awareness about this disease can help reduce these numbers. Here, your reliable optometrist answers frequently asked questions about glaucoma.
Q: How Does Glaucoma Affect My Eyesight?
Glaucoma interferes with your eyes’ ability to drain intraocular fluids. This can lead to fluid accumulation, which may result in increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma may eventually cause optic nerve compression and damage, even potentially leading to vision loss. To diagnose glaucoma, we will conduct a tonometry test during your comprehensive eye exam.
Q: What Causes Glaucoma?
In a healthy eye, the aqueous humor, also known as your eye fluid, is drained through a mesh network found in the angle between your iris and cornea. Structural irregularities in this angle can lead to ineffective fluid draining.
Q: What Are the Classifications and Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is classified into two major types: wide-angle (open) and narrow-angle (close). Wide-angle glaucoma is the most common type, and results in high IOP levels even if the angle does not have visible obstructions. It is usually asymptomatic at first. As the condition progresses, you may experience headaches and a need for stronger prescription eyeglasses.
Narrow-angle glaucoma occurs when structural changes cause the angle to become abnormally narrow. This often results in a rapid fluid buildup, leading to an uncontrolled rise of your IOP levels. You may develop blurry vision when this happens. Halos around lights and tunnel syndrome are also common.
Q: How Is Glaucoma Managed?
We may recommend applying medicated eye drops to lower your IOP. We may also suggest performing trabeculectomy to drain excess eye fluid. Undergoing LASIK or other laser eye procedures can also help control fluid accumulation and correct visual acuity impairments.
If you have any further questions about glaucoma, call us at 614-875-8373 or send us a message. We serve Columbus, OH, and the surrounding communities.
