Glaucoma

Research reveals that glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss. Over three million people in the United States alone have the condition. Sadly, the number could be even higher since most people aren’t aware that they have glaucoma.

Glaucoma has no signs during the early stages, making it essential to identify eye conditions like glaucoma early on to prevent long-term side effects that could even lead to blindness. That’s why Montana Eyecare is here to provide the testing and management you need to prevent glaucoma from seriously impacting your life.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not one condition but a group of conditions that cause damage to your optic nerve. Your optic nerve sends visual information to your brain, and any damage leads to vision problems. Ideally, eye fluids are essential to keep the pressure in your eyes stable. If the eye fluid drainage system or process malfunctions, the fluid increases pressure in your eye, damaging the optic nerve. Glaucoma comes in different forms, but angle-closure and open-angle glaucoma are the two most common ones.

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Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Many types of glaucoma have no visible warning signs. However, depending on the type and the stage of glaucoma, there are signs you can look out for, including:

• Blurred or hazy vision
• Severe head or eye pain
• Halos around lights
• Eye redness
• Vomiting or nausea
• Bulging or swollen cornea
• Patchy blind spots

Since glaucoma may not reveal signs in the early stages, there are risk factors that you can look out for, including:

• Age
• Family history
• Previous eye injuries
• Race
• Nearsightedness or farsightedness

Glaucoma Diagnosis

Our eye doctors will evaluate your medical history and perform a comprehensive examination to detect any signs of glaucoma. We may then perform certain tests like:

• Tonometry to measure the intraocular pressure
• Visual field test
• Pachymetry to measure your cornea thickness
• Gonioscopy to inspect your drainage angle

Treatment for Glaucoma

Unfortunately, glaucoma is irreversible, but regular eye checkups and management can slow down its progression and prevent vision loss. Some management options include:

• Eye drops
• Oral medication
• Surgery
• Laser treatment

Visit Us for Vision Testing and Professional Treatment Options in Helena, Montata

Glaucoma is a severe eye disease that requires professional testing and care. While healthy lifestyles and behaviors are part of preventative measures, routine testing is the only way to stay on top of glaucoma. Contact our team at Montana Eyecare to schedule your next eye appointment or to learn more about how our optometrists help patients in Helena and surrounding areas.