Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss. Several large studies have shown that eye pressure is a major risk factor for optic nerve damage, yet it can develop without increased eye pressure.
The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle. At first, open-angle has no symptoms. It causes no pain, vision stays normal, and it can develop in one or both eyes. Without treatment, people with the condition will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision. They seem to be looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead (central) vision may decrease until no vision remains. Learn more about glaucoma symptoms here.
Without treatment, people with glaucoma will slowly lose their peripheral (side) vision.
RISK FACTORS
DIAGNOSIS
& TREATMENT
Age, race, family history, and medical history are all factors that can increase your risk. However, anyone can develop it. Some people, listed below, are at higher risk than others:
- African Americans over age 40
- Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
- People with a family history of the disease
Immediate treatment for early-stage, open-angle glaucoma can delay progression of the disease. That’s why early diagnosis is very important. Contact us today to book your comprehensive eye exam, or call us at (805) 522-7007 to learn more about how we can help.
Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Regardless of your age or physical health getting an annual eye exam is important.