Glaucoma is only second to cataracts as a common cause of blindness. Many types of glaucoma do not produce any symptoms until the condition is advanced. This is why it’s important to get your eyes checked by an eye doctor every year. Dr. Rigney Vision of Owasso, Collinsville and Bartlesville, OK look at the facts about glaucoma.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is when there is such constant high pressure in the eye that the optic nerve is damaged, resulting in blindness.

Can Glaucoma be Cured?

Glaucoma is incurable. Once you become blind from glaucoma, you cannot get your sight back. However, if caught early enough, it can be slowed down and managed.

What are the Types of Glaucoma?

The most common type of glaucoma is open-angle glaucoma. This happens when the eyes can’t drain properly, causing pressure to build up. Healthy eyes constantly drain small amounts of fluid. Another common type is normal tension glaucoma. No one knows the causes of this type, although atherosclerosis, or plaque in the arteries, could be a cause. Another type is acute-closure glaucoma, which comes very suddenly and should be treated as a medical emergency.

When Should I Call 911?

Call 911 if you experience the worst headache of your life or eye pain coupled with nausea, blurry vision, seeing haloes around lights, abdominal pain, partial blindness or redness in one or both eyes. If you do not get treated immediately, you can go permanently blind.

What is the Treatment for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is first treated with pills or with one or more medicated eye drops. If this fails to work, then you may need surgery. This can sometimes be done in your eye doctor’s office with a laser.

Who is At Risk of Glaucoma?

People most at risk of glaucoma are those that have family members with glaucoma. It’s also most common in people over 60, anyone with extreme nearsightedness, anyone who uses steroid eyedrops for a long time and anyone who has ever had an eye injury.

Can Younger People Get Glaucoma?

Glaucoma can happen to people of any age, even children.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

With the exception of acute-closure glaucoma, symptoms come on so gradually that the damage has been done before you can stop going blind. The first symptom is a blind patch in your peripheral vision. Getting regular tests from your eye doctor or optometrist can help you get treatment before any blind patches develop. Tests also check for other eye problems such as cataracts.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Jay Rigney for Glaucoma Treatment in Bartlesville, Collinsville, and Owasso

If you have further questions about your risk of glaucoma and live in the Owasso, Collinsville or Bartlesville, OK areas, contact Dr. Jay Rigney of Dr. Rigney Vision at (918) 272-3937 to make an appointment today.