The second leading cause of blindness worldwide typically progresses so slowly and silently that you may not be aware of its presence until your vision has been compromised. While there is no known cure for glaucoma, early detection and management can help slow its progression, prevent any further damage and preserve your vision. With routine comprehensive eye exams, the office of Hiawassee can diagnose glaucoma from its outset and develop an effective treatment plan.
Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. While there are different types of glaucoma, the most common of which is open angle glaucoma, which occurs gradually when fluid fails to drain from the eye. This buildup of fluid increases pressure within the eye, thereby damaging the optic nerve. Typically vision loss and other symptoms of open angle glaucoma take a long time to develop. However, with other types of glaucoma, such as angle closure glaucoma, the onset of symptoms may be sudden. While the exact cause of glaucoma is unknown, there are several known risk factors. A family history of glaucoma, advanced age, certain medical conditions and certain features of your eye’s anatomy can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma. To diagnose glaucoma our optometrist will test your intraocular pressure, visually assess your optic nerve and assess optic nerve function. Visual field tests to assess your peripheral vision can help determine if blind spots have developed. If you are at high risk for glaucoma, our team will continue to carefully monitor your vision and provide the guidance and care to help preserve and protect your eyesight.
At the office of Hiawassee, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate care. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.
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