Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of blindness. Since vision loss due to glaucoma cannot be recovered, early detection is key. At Eye and Contact Lens Center, we have diagnosed and treated glaucoma for many years. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve is damaged, usually due to increased interocular pressure. Read on to learn more about what glaucoma is and how we can treat it.
What are the Early Warning Signs of Glaucoma?
By the time you start seeing dark spots in your field of vision, glaucoma is already advanced. However, changes in your eyes can show an eye doctor or optometrist that you have glaucoma. This is why it’s so important to schedule regular eye exams.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
You’re more at risk of getting glaucoma if you:
- Are 60 or older
- Are Hispanic, Black, or Asian
- Have close relatives with glaucoma
- Have ever suffered an eye injury
- If you have birth defects of the eyes
- If you are very nearsighted or very farsighted
- If you’ve been taking corticosteroid drugs for a long time.
People with certain medical problems are also prone, including people with:
- Any type of diabetes
- Sickle cell anemia
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
Treatments for Glaucoma
Although there is no cure for glaucoma, there are treatments from your eye doctor or optometrist to help you manage it. These include treating any medical conditions that contribute to glaucoma, medicated eye drops, and, in some cases, surgery. When you first visit our office, our optometrist will evaluate your condition to determine whether or not you are suffering from glaucoma and recommend treatment accordingly.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Optometrist for Glaucoma Treatment in Kirkland and Renton, WA
If you have further questions about glaucoma and live in the Kirkland or Renton, WA area, contact Eye and Contact Lens Center at (425) 882-8204 to make an appointment today.