Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause blurry vision and make certain tasks like reading or driving challenging. Not only that, but it can also lead to blindness if it is not treated on time. At Eye Care Associates Inc. in Austintown, Boardman, East Liverpool, Poland, Warren, or Youngstown, OH, we provide eye exams to detect glaucoma early and offer treatment to preserve your vision. Before visiting us, read about some frequently asked questions regarding glaucoma below:
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when your optic nerve is damaged due to fluid buildup that puts pressure on the nerve. As the nerve is damaged, it can lead to vision loss. In order to prevent vision loss, it is important to seek treatment that lowers the intraocular pressure, or IOP.
What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle and closed-angle. Closed-angle glaucoma can have many symptoms, including blurry vision, headache, and nausea. However, open-angle glaucoma is more common and presents no signs until it is at an advanced stage. Due to this, it is important to schedule regular checkups to have your eye pressure examined, especially if you fall into the high-risk category.
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
There are certain factors that increase your risk for glaucoma. Some of these risk factors include:
⢠Being age 40 and older
⢠Family history of glaucoma
⢠Thin corneas
⢠Certain health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or migraines
⢠Having extreme farsightedness or nearsightedness
How Can I Prevent Glaucoma?
There are some steps you can take to prevent glaucoma. For example, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, and quitting smoking can lower your eye pressure. Along with that, make sure to manage your stress levels and limit your caffeine intake in order to maintain a normal eye pressure.
How Can Our Ophthalmologists Help?
When you visit us, our ophthalmologists will perform regular screenings to check your intraocular pressure. If we notice your eye pressure increasing, we can prescribe medication or eye drops to lower it.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you have symptoms of glaucoma that are affecting your daily life, let our team at Eye Care Associates Inc. in Austintown, Boardman, East Liverpool, Poland, Warren, or Youngstown, OH, help. After an eye exam, we can determine the necessary treatment that will offer relief and improve your vision. To schedule your appointment, call us at (330) 746-7691 today. When you need an ophthalmologist near me, we are ready to assist you!