What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease where pressure builds inside the eye and damages the optic nerve causing loss of peripheral vision. In some severe cases it can result in total loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Unfortunately, damage to the optic nerve is irreversible and treatment goals are aimed to preserve the remaining vision a person has.
Who Should Be Screened for Glaucoma?
Everyone! Screening intervals are recommended based on the following schedule:
Yearly for anyone age 50 years an older.
Every 2 years for those younger than age 50.
Risk factors for glaucoma include:
- • Family history of glaucoma
- • Having diabetes
- • Having high blood pressure
- • Being over the age of 60
- • History of smoking
- • Using corticosteroid medications for an extended period.
How is Glaucoma Treated?
Glaucoma is typically treated with eye drops to lower eye pressure. Surgery is required to lower eye pressure in some cases. Surgical treatments range from laser therapy, stents, or filters to help open the drainage system and reduce pressure inside the eye.
Get Your Glaucoma Evaluated with Eye Doctors of Arizona
Call Eye Doctors of Arizona today to schedule an appointment for screening or an opinion on your glaucoma. Contact us at (602) 257-8280 to schedule an appointment.