Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that usually affects adults and is usually caused by increased pressure within the eye.  Decreases in vision caused by glaucoma are not reversible and if left untreated glaucoma may lead to permanent blindness.

Most often glaucoma is without symptoms in its early stages.  Usually, damage to the eye occurs so slowly that it goes unnoticed.  In its later stages blind spots and dimming may be evident.  Less common forms of glaucoma have early symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, halos around bright lights, nausea, and vomiting.

Detecting glaucoma can be accomplished through a complete eye exam.  Since glaucoma lacks symptoms, people over 40 should have a complete eye exam on a regular basis.

Individuals are more likely to develop it if they:

• Are extremely nearsighted
  
• Have high eye pressure
  
• Have a family history of glaucoma
  
• Are diabetic
  
• Have had long term steroid treatment
  
• Are of African or Hispanic heritage

Advanced Eye Physicians offers the latest in visual field testing and
ocular coherence tomography (OCT) to assess eye damage caused by glaucoma.