Glaucoma Awareness: Get an Eye Exam Today!

When you notice changes to your vision, it may raise concerns about the health of your eyes. As you get older, you may have worries about getting an eye condition. By identifying the cause of your vision changes, our professionals in optometry provide the care and treatment you need. At Shippee Family Eye Care, we help slow the progression of glaucoma in your eyes.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a type of eye condition that causes vision loss and blindness. It impacts the optic nerve of your eyes and damages the nerve until you are no longer able to see. The condition occurs when the fluid in your eyes builds up and puts undue pressure on your optic nerve.

The fluid builds up in the two ways: it does not drain fast enough or the drainage angle in the eye closes. Close-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency and will cause severe pain. You want to seek immediate attention if you have pain in your eyes or a sudden loss of vision. Open-angle glaucoma means the drainage angle in your eye is still open, but the fluid does not flow out fast enough.

A high amount of pressure in your eyes suggest you have a risk of glaucoma. The risk increases if you have high blood pressure or certain medical conditions that may contribute to the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of the Condition

The signs and symptoms of glaucoma help you determine when to seek treatment. You do not want to wait for care if you suspect you have pressure in your eyes. Early treatment is essential to slow the progression of the condition and maintain your vision.

Common signs of glaucoma include:

• Changes to your vision
• Blind spots in the center of your vision or in your peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision when the condition worsens

You want to seek treatment when you notice sudden changes to your vision. Close-angle glaucoma is a medical emergency and may cause headaches, pain in your eyes, nausea, blurred vision and halos around lights. Seek immediate attention if you have any eye pain, nausea or blurred vision.

When to Visit our Clinics in Lancaster, St. Johnsbury and Montpelier​

Early detection is the key to glaucoma treatment in Lancaster, St. Johnsbury and Montpelier. You want to seek treatment when you notice changes to your vision. We also recommend regular eye exams to catch the problem before it changes your vision.

Glaucoma is a complicated eye condition. Early treatment plays a key role in maintaining your vision and protecting your optic nerve. To learn more about treating the condition or to set up an appointment in one of our clinics for an exam, contact us today.