Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in people over 60, but vision problems associated with glaucoma are often preventable with early detection and treatment. At Classic Vision Care, with three locations Marietta, Atlanta, and Kennesaw, Georgia, the experienced optometry team screens for glaucoma, helps you manage the disease, and refers you to a specialist when necessary. Schedule an appointment with Classic Vision Care over the phone or online at the first sign of visual disturbances.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to your optic nerve. It’s caused by high pressure in the eye and is a leading cause of blindness.
While glaucoma can occur at any age, it’s more common in older adults. Effects from glaucoma often appear gradually with no warning signs, as symptoms may only be present in advanced stages.
Routine eye exams are important to screen for glaucoma, as vision loss associated with glaucoma isn’t reversible.
When treated early glaucoma-related vision problems are usually preventable. Classic Vision Care optometrists screen for glaucoma and help you properly manage the disease.
In the early stages of glaucoma you might not experience symptoms, but as the disease progresses you may notice:
Glaucoma can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. Routine eye exams help detect glaucoma before serious symptoms occur.
Anybody can develop glaucoma but the following risk factors are associated with the disease:
See your optometrist for routine dilated eye exams to detect glaucoma in its early stages before severe eye damage occurs, especially if you have one or more risk factors for the disease.
To diagnose glaucoma your optometrist reviews your medical history and completes a comprehensive eye exam. They utilize numerous eye tests including those that measure intraocular pressure and dilated eye exams to evaluate optic nerve damage.
Your provider might also use imaging and visual field tests and measure corneal thickness to make a diagnosis.
The treatment for glaucoma may include one or more of the following:
If you require eye surgery, your Classic Vision Care specialist refers you to a qualified ophthalmologist in your area.
Ways to help control high eye pressure associated with glaucoma include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting caffeine, sleeping with your head elevated, and taking medications as prescribed by your eye care professional.
To lower your risk of blindness caused by glaucoma, schedule an eye exam with Classic Vision Care over the phone or online today.