Glaucoma FAQs

FAQs about Glaucoma

If you’re worried about your eye health, come see our optometrist at Total Eyecare in Elko. We’ll give you a comprehensive eye exam to check the state of your eyes and vision. During this exam, we'll also test you for eye diseases like glaucoma in order to catch them in their early stages. Left unchecked, glaucoma can cause permanent damage to your vision. The following questions and answers can give you greater insight into this disease.

glaucoma

What Exactly Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that attacks the optic nerve of your eye, causing permanent loss of vision. Your eyes’ optic nerves carry visual information to your brain. Damage to these nerves breaks the connection with your brain, resulting in vision loss. If this disease isn't treated early enough, it can cause blindness.

Who Is Most Likely to Get Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is more prominent in seniors over the age of 60 and people who have a history of the disease. African Americans over the age of 40 and people with diabetes or nearsightedness are also at greater risk of this disease. Once you reach the age of 35, your eye doctor may recommend you get regular optometry checkups to catch this disease in its early stages. Glaucoma can be managed if it’s detected early on, enabling you to preserve your vision.

What Signs Should I Look for in Glaucoma?

There are two types of this disease: primary open-angle glaucoma and acute-angle closure glaucoma. The first has no symptoms. Without optometry testing, you may not discover you have this disease until it’s damaged your vision. Symptoms of acute-angle closure glaucoma include blurry vision, halos, eye redness and pain.

How is Glaucoma Detected?

Your Elko optometrist can test you for glaucoma when you come in for an eye exam. We’ll measure your eye pressure, check your optic nerve, and test your visual perception to see if there are signs of damage. 

How Is Glaucoma Treated?

Your eye doctor will recommend glaucoma treatment according to your situation and need. Treatment options range from medications and prescription eye drops to laser therapy and eye surgery. Optic nerve damage and vision loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible. The goal of treatment would be to prevent further damage to preserve the vision you have.

Can Glaucoma Be Prevented?

Glaucoma cannot be prevented at this time. It can, however, be managed when detected in the early stages. Early diagnosis and treatment could save your vision.

See Your Optometrist for Glaucoma Testing

To get tested for glaucoma at Total Eyecare, call your Elko optometrist at (775) 738-8491 today.

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Monday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
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Wednesday
7:30 am - 6:00 pm
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