Glaucoma is not a single condition. It's the name for a group of eye conditions that affect the optic nerve. Typically, high pressure within the eye causes damage to the optic nerve in people with glaucoma. While it can feel scary to be diagnosed with glaucoma, starting early treatment and utilizing preventative care can be helpful in slowing the disease. At Vision Quest Eye Care Center in Dover and Milford, our optometry professionals are here to help you understand, treat, and thrive after a glaucoma diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
If you're unsure of whether you have glaucoma, you may be curious about the signs and symptoms of the disease. It's important to note that glaucoma presents differently from person to person. Some people have factors that may increase their risk for glaucoma, including being over 60 years old, having diabetes, African, Asian, or Hispanic ancestry, congenital high pressure within the eye, or having extremely high eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.
Symptoms of glaucoma may include headaches, a feeling of pain or high pressure in the eye, blind spots, nausea, vomiting, eye redness, blurred vision, and the appearance of rings around bright lights. Having these signs does not necessarily mean that you have glaucoma. Many of these symptoms can be indicative of other conditions, such as migraines. If you experience these symptoms, it's important that you see an optometry professional in order to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Glaucoma Treatment
After you've been diagnosed with glaucoma, you'll work with our eye doctors to devise a treatment plan that makes sense for your eyes and your lifestyle. There are a number of treatment options available. None of these options will reverse glaucoma, but they can preserve your eyesight for a longer time than if you did not get treatment.
Eye drops are a popular and easy way to slow the progression of glaucoma. There are a number of different prescriptions that are effective, and our eye doctor will choose one that will be a good fit for you. If eye drops don't work for you, oral medication is the next step. If you need help beyond oral medication, it may be time to discuss eye surgery.
Call Our Dover/ Milford Optometry Center
If you or a loved one is showing signs of glaucoma, it's important to see an optometry professional right away. While glaucoma is not curable, there are treatments to slow the progression of the disease and reduce pain. Call our optometry center, Vision Quest Eye Care Center, to set up your first appointment at 302-424-9424 (Milford) or 302-678-3545 (Dover).