Glaucoma is a cluster of eye diseases that can lead to blindness. High eye pressure leads to damage in the optic nerve. The condition is common in people 60 years and older. The disease can be hereditary, and has several other risk factors. Luckily, glaucoma can be managed when detected early. At Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C., serving St. Johnsbury and Montpelier, VT and Lancaster and Littleton, NH, our experts can help you detect warning signs of glaucoma. It is important to have regular eye exams to look for symptoms of glaucoma.
Glaucoma Symptoms
The two types of glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma does not present any signs or symptoms until the disease is severe. Angle-closure glaucoma, however, exhibits several signs that indicate that you need to see our optometrist. Here are some of the most common:
- Blurred vision
- Intense headache
- Eye pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Eye irritation and redness
- Seeing rainbows and halos around lights
If you have these symptoms, seek treatment immediately. Our optometrist will measure the pressure in your eye and look for other symptoms to diagnose glaucoma. We offer medication to slow the progression of the disease. In more severe cases, you may need eye surgery.
Preventing Glaucoma
There are several things that can help prevent glaucoma. Our optometrists suggest that you:
- Eat a balanced diet
- Have frequent eye exams
- Exercise regularly to promote blood flow
- Protect your eyes from the sun
Schedule an Eye Exam with Our Optometrist
Glaucoma is a progressive disease. The effects of glaucoma cannot be reversed, but the disease can be slowed down to prevent vision loss. It is vital to have regular eye exams so we can detect the disease early. If you are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, visit our optometry experts. At Shippee Family Eye Care, P.C., serving St. Johnsbury and Montpelier, VT and Lancaster and Littleton, NH, our eye doctors will help you manage your glaucoma. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call us today.