Anything related to your eyes can be pretty confusing and glaucoma is definitely one of those conditions. With all of the questions people have about glaucoma, we thought it would be helpful to put together a list of frequently asked questions. This way, you can learn more about this condition and what you can do to protect your vision. At Eye Doctors of Arizona, we can diagnose your eyes to determine whether you have glaucoma. If our ophthalmologists determine you have this condition, we will recommend a suitable treatment solution. We provide quality eye care for our patients in Downtown Phoenix, North Phoenix, and Biltmore.
What is glaucoma?
This is a group of eye issues that cause optic nerve damage. The optic nerves send visual signals from your eyes to your brain. This eye condition is a leading cause of vision loss in the United States. It is caused by a buildup of fluid pressure in your eye. This excess fluid pressure creates excess stress on the optic nerve and damages the cells. This damage can cause a variety of vision problems, including tunnel vision.
What are the different types of glaucoma?
There are two main types of glaucoma: The closed-angle type and the open-angle type. Closed-angle glaucoma happens when the iris presses down on the trabecular meshwork. As a result, fluid cannot drain properly and pressure builds in your eye. Open-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, happens when a blocked trabecular meshwork leads to a backup of fluid.
How is glaucoma treated?
Glaucoma is treated with medication or surgery. In some cases, your ophthalmologist may recommend eye drops to drain fluid from your eyes and reduce your eye pressure. However, if medication is not an option for you, surgery may be a suitable treatment. In most cases, open-angle glaucoma requires surgery to prevent further vision loss.
What are the symptoms of glaucoma?
The most common symptom of glaucoma is a loss of peripheral vision, which makes it hard to see things on the side. Other symptoms include:
- • Blurry vision
- • Headaches
- • Eye pain or discomfort
- • Seeing halos around lights
- • Having trouble adjusting to changes in light
Visit Eye Doctors of Arizona for Glaucoma Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect you have glaucoma, schedule an appointment with our eye doctors to determine the best treatment option. We will conduct a comprehensive eye exam and discuss your treatment options. We provide quality eye care for our patients in Downtown Phoenix, North Phoenix, and Biltmore. If you are experiencing the symptoms of glaucoma or it has been a while since your last eye exam, call our team today at (602) 257-8280 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.