Reasons Why You Should Not Leave Your Glaucoma Untreated
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When detected early, glaucoma is a fairly manageable condition. However, most patients don’t show symptoms of glaucoma until it has progressed to the later stages. At inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa our expert team is committed to helping patients maintain their eye health and vision with early glaucoma detection, treatment, and prevention. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of glaucoma, how it is diagnosed, and why prompt glaucoma treatment is critical.
What causes glaucoma?
Glaucoma is technically caused by increased pressure in the eye. Elevated eye pressure can compromise the optic nerve, which leads to changes in a patient’s vision. Risk factors for increased eye pressure and glaucoma include:
- Genetics/family history of glaucoma
- Eye injury
- Previous eye surgery
- Being African-American
- Being over 40 years of age
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
There are several types of glaucoma, the most common of which is referred to as open-angle or wide-angle glaucoma. Unfortunately, most patients with wide-angle glaucoma have no obvious symptoms until the condition has become advanced. Generally speaking, the first symptom of open-angle glaucoma is decreased peripheral vision. Patients with different variations of glaucoma may experience light halos, redness, hazy eyes, and other symptoms.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
Because glaucoma is often a silent condition, meaning it produces no symptoms in its early stages, the most effective method of detection is having regular eye exams. In particular, patients with a family history of glaucoma or certain glaucoma risks factors should undergo routine eye exams with dilation to evaluate for signs of glaucoma, including increased eye pressure.
How is glaucoma treated?
Depending on the type of glaucoma present, the severity of the condition, and other factors, our experienced team may recommend one or more of the following glaucoma treatment methods:
- Oral medication
- Eye drops
- Behavioral modification
- Eye surgery
- Symptom management
What happens if you don’t treat glaucoma?
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to a significant decrease in vision or even complete blindness in both eyes. It is also important to note that glaucoma progresses rapidly in many patients, making early detection and treatment even more critical for preventing vision loss. Again, the best way to detect glaucoma before it causes irreversible vision loss is to have regular eye exams, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma or are at increased risk for developing glaucoma.
Can vision be restored after glaucoma?
Vision changes that occur as a result of glaucoma, including a complete loss of vision, cannot be reversed. If detected early, glaucoma can often be treated and managed to slow or prevent further vision loss. If you have any signs or symptoms of glaucoma, or if you have a parent or close relative with glaucoma, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam as soon as possible.
Protect your vision with early glaucoma diagnosis and treatment in Tuscaloosa, AL
When glaucoma is found early and treated quickly, many patients can live a relatively normal life and preserve the majority of their vision. However, untreated glaucoma can lead to a rapid decline in vision and even cause permanent blindness. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam for glaucoma evaluation, call the expert team at inVision Ophthalmology Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa, AL today.