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Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the pathway that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often caused by a buildup of fluid pressure inside the eye. There are different types of glaucoma, but all can lead to vision loss if left undiagnosed and untreated.

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Glaucoma often develops gradually and without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is why it's crucial to have regular eye exams, as early detection and treatment are essential to prevent vision loss.

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While there are various forms of glaucoma, the two main categories are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma.

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  • Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common type, where the fluid drainage channels in the eye become clogged, leading to a gradual increase in pressure.

  • Angle-closure glaucoma: This is a less common but more urgent form, where the drainage channels are suddenly blocked, causing a rapid rise in pressure.

Symptoms of Glaucoma​​​​

  • Peripheral vision loss (gradual loss of side vision)

  • Tunnel vision (feeling like you're looking through a narrow tube)

  • Sudden severe eye pain (angle-closure glaucoma)

  • Redness in the eye (angle-closure glaucoma)

  • Seeing halos around lights (angle-closure glaucoma)​​

Causes of Glaucoma

The exact cause of glaucoma is unknown, but there are several risk factors that can increase your chance of developing it.​

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  • High eye pressure: This is the main risk factor for glaucoma. The fluid inside your eye constantly flows and needs to drain properly. If the drainage channels are blocked, pressure builds up and can damage the optic nerve.

  • Family history: If you have a close relative with glaucoma, you're at a higher risk.

  • Age: The risk of glaucoma increases significantly over 40 years old.​​​

  • Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraines can all be risk factors.

  • Ethnicity: African Americans and Hispanics have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

  • Nearsightedness: People with nearsightedness (myopia) are at slightly increased risk.

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Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment Options

There is no cure for glaucoma, but early detection and treatment can help prevent further vision loss. Your optometrist can diagnose glaucoma through a comprehensive eye exam, including tests to measure eye pressure and examine the optic nerve with imaging techniques such as retinal photography and optical coherent tomography (OCT). If glaucoma is suspected, our optometrists will refer you to an ophthalmologist, a specialist eye doctor, for confirmation and to discuss treatment options. Once treatment has been initiated, your optometrist can then continue to closely monitor the condition with regular checkups.

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Treatment options depend on the type and severity of glaucoma and may involve:

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  • Eye drops: To lower eye pressure.

  • Laser procedure: To create new drainage channels or widen existing ones.

  • Surgery: In severe cases, traditional surgery may be necessary.

Don't wait for vision problems to impact your child's learning and development. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam today! Early intervention with an optometrist can ensure your child sees the world clearly.

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