Could It Be Glaucoma? What to Know

Glaucoma is a tricky eye disease that can be easily overlooked until it’s too late. As your eye doctor in Weston, FL, we’re committed to protecting our patients from problems like glaucoma. We can help you identify when you have glaucoma, and we can treat glaucoma when it’s diagnosed. Here’s what to know about glaucoma symptoms and treatment.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma is usually caused by pressure in the eye. Some people are more at risk for glaucoma than others, but anyone can get glaucoma. People who are at particular risk of glaucoma include people who have diabetes, adults over age 55 and people who have black, Asian or Hispanic heritage.

Signs It’s Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that may have few or no symptoms in its early stages. Some patients don’t find out they have glaucoma until some damage to their eyesight has already been done. Some types of glaucoma have early signs that you can recognize. Here’s what to watch for:

• Blind spots in side vision
• Eye pain
• Severe headache
• Halos around lights
• Blurry vision
• Nearsightedness that gets worse

If you’re noticing any of the symptoms above, or other unexplained symptoms of a vision problem, then it’s time to see the eye doctor.

Why It’s Important to Get Comprehensive Eye Exams

Your eye doctor can catch glaucoma in its early stages, before symptoms have ever begun to surfaace. Your eye doctor can do this by conducting a comprehensive eye exam to look inside your eye. Once your eye doctor has diagnosed your condition, they can prescribe treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

Unfortunately, once damage has been done to your vision, your eye doctor will not be able to reverse it. This makes it vitally important that you see the eye doctor on a regular basis, especially if you’re at higher risk for glaucoma.

Are you suffering from glaucoma, or think you may have undiagnosed glaucoma? Come to Rouse Family Eye Care for diagnosis and glaucoma treatment in Weston, FL. Call today to make an appointment.