Common Questions on Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease severe for patients and their eyesight. This eye disease can cause people to lose vision and even cause blindness. It's essential to detect this disease as soon as possible, so our chiropractor can slow its progression. There is no getting back sight once it's lost, but the passage of glaucoma can be slowed or even stopped with the right treatments. The earlier it is discovered, the better the outcome could be. If you haven't seen the optometrist lately, it may be time for you to make your eye care appointment. Call our Fountain Valley, CA, office to set up your work with our eye doctor.
What Is the Cause of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is caused when the optic nerve inside the eye becomes damaged. As the damage to this vital nerve continues, blind spots will appear in the patient's visual field. In addition, the pressure of the fluid inside often causes strain to the nerve behind the eye. This high pressure damages the nerve, though we don't know how it happens. To test for glaucoma, patients get an eye pressure test to discover whether the eye pressure is too high.
Why Does Eye Pressure Build Up?
There is a thick fluid inside the eye, and this fluid flows through a type of tissue called the trabecular meshwork. If the look makes too much of this viscous fluid, the extra volume raises the pressure on the eye. The eye's drainage system may also develop problems, and this causes too much liquid to build up so that there is extra pressure.
What Are Glaucoma Symptoms?
When this eye disease begins, you may have no symptoms of it. Once the loss of vision begins, it happens slowly, so you may not notice it for a while. In the first stages often lose their side vision, and they may start to get tunnel vision. There may also be vision loss in other areas of the visual field. For example, you might see halos around lights or a lot of glare that bothers you. An affected eye may look hazy, turn red, or become painful.
What Are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
Many risk factors can make you more likely to develop this eye disease. It can be present in patients of any age, but it's much more likely after a patient turns 60. If you have a family history, you are more likely to develop it. Some medical issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, can increase your risk. Patients who are highly nearsighted or farsighted also have a higher risk.
Get Your Eye Care
See our eye doctor regularly to be tested for glaucoma. Our optometrist should test for it yearly as part of your eye exam. Call us at Fountain Valley, CA, to get your test at (714) 210-2393.