Glaucoma is a significant eye disease that is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. This condition causes little to no noticeable symptoms in the early stages before leading to vision loss. While glaucoma’s effects are not reversible, some treatments can stop or slow its progress. Regular eye exams from your optometrist near you at Vision Source in Magnolia and Aldine, TX, can catch and manage glaucoma early on. Continue reading to learn more about glaucoma and its signs and symptoms.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma results from damage to the optic nerve, leading to gradual vision loss and blindness. Most cases of glaucoma occur due to high eye pressure, but people can develop glaucoma with normal eye pressure. Glaucoma’s three primary risk factors are age, ethnicity, and intraocular pressure. Being over 55, having Black, Asian, or Hispanic heritage, and having high eye pressure increase your chances of developing glaucoma. Unfortunately, most glaucoma develops slowly, and the early symptoms often go unnoticed.

Your optometrist checks for signs of glaucoma during your regular eye exam. Once they identify glaucoma, your optometrist will recommend treatment options to slow its progression. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, or surgery for severe cases of glaucoma.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. This form occurs due to excess pressure inside the eye. Early symptoms include clouded vision and difficulty seeing in low-light conditions. You may experience vision loss or blindness once the condition reaches the later stages.

Another frequent form of glaucoma is angle-closure glaucoma. This type occurs when the iris blocks fluid from draining from the eye, causing excess pressure. Whereas open-angle glaucoma develops slowly, angle-closure glaucoma occurs suddenly and requires emergency treatment. The symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include eye pain, dilated pupils, headaches, and seeing halos around lights. People who experience these symptoms should seek emergency eye care.

See Your Eye Doctor Near You at Vision Source for Glaucoma Management Today

Although glaucoma has no cure, your optometrist near you at Vision Source in Magnolia and Aldine, TX, provides effective management to slow its progression and preserve your eyesight. Call us and schedule an eye exam today at our Magnolia location at (281) 252-6060 or our Aldine location at (281) 449-7400 to catch and manage this condition early on before it leads to vision loss.