Overview of Glaucoma

Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C., offers optometry care to patients in the Montpelier, Lancaster, and St. Johnsbury area. Your eyes are important and should be examined every year, even if your eyesight is perfect.

Often, you could have something going on with your eyes and not even be aware of it that’s why annual optometry visits are important. Not only can we catch eye disorders and diseases early we can help prevent them. Glaucoma is a bigger concern for people over age 60 but younger patients can also be at risk.

Glaucoma Symptoms

Glaucoma symptoms usually start slowly and go unnoticed. The peripheral vision (side vision) is the first to go this is a very slow process and you may even believe it’s just your eyesight getting worse. You probably will not notice a problem until your peripheral vision is gone completely. If caught in the early stages, you have a chance of not losing your vision completely.

Glaucoma Types

There are five types of glaucoma.

1. Normal-tension – Is caused by damage to the optic nerve, the eye pressure doesn’t have to increase. Decrease in sight is the first sign.
2. Open-angle – Is caused by a buildup of fluid in the eye which in return increases your eye pressure, it the optic nerve is damaged blindness can be the result.
3. Congenital – Is present at birth but if surgery is performed after diagnosis the child should have good eyesight.
4. Angle-closure – The fluid in the eye is unable to drain at all. This requires medical attention immediately.

Glaucoma Treatments

You may be given medications (eye drops) to help lower your eye pressure and prevent any damage to the optic nerves. Laser treatment helps drain the built-up fluid and lower the eye pressure. As a last resort surgery, there are several types of eye surgery for glaucoma your optometrist will decide which surgery will be most beneficial for you, the type of surgery may reflect the type of glaucoma you have.

Call Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C. Today!

Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C., offers complete optometry care to patients in the Montpelier, Lancaster and St. Johnsbury, area. Call us today or visit our website to make an appointment.