Glaucoma FAQs

Glaucoma FAQs Answered By Your San Antonio Optometrist

Glaucoma is an eye disease, or more accurately, a group of diseases, that can affect your vision and overall eye health. There is more than one type of glaucoma, and there are multiple causes for it. Treatments also vary. It’s important that you get a regular eye exam from your optometrist since in many cases there are no symptoms. Your eye doctor can assess your risk factors, diagnose the disease if you have it and create a treatment plan.

If you wear glasses, you likely go to your optometrist on a regular basis, but if you don’t have vision problems, you may be tempted to skip yearly optometry appointments. However, it’s essential that you do so, since your optometrist can not only check for glaucoma, but also for other eye and vision related diseases and disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glaucoma

What Causes Glaucoma?

Eye pressure is the primary cause of glaucoma. Open Angle Glaucoma is caused by a build-up of fluid in a space called the anterior chamber. This fluid keeps tissues lubricated and normally filters out through a mesh tissue and drains out. Sometimes, though, the fluid is unable to drain properly and results in pressure that can damage the optic nerve.

Does High Blood Pressure Cause Glaucoma?

While it doesn’t cause it in itself, it is a risk factor. If you have chronic high blood pressure, or a condition that causes you to suddenly develop high blood pressure, you should consult your optometrist to keep an eye on it.

It’s important to note that each case is individual. Pressure doesn’t always equal damage to the nerve, but it is always a good idea to have your eyes checked regularly to be safe.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Open-angle glaucoma, which is the most common type of glaucoma, is hereditary. If you have family members with this type of glaucoma, you are more likely to develop it as well.

Can Glaucoma Be Treated

Yes, absolutely. There are a few different treatments for Glaucoma including medicated drops, pills and surgical procedures. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. It’s important that you follow all directions meticulously and that you take your medication consistently and as directed.

What Are The Most Common Symptoms Of Glaucoma?

In the case of open-angle glaucoma, there are typically no symptoms. The disease develops over time, and by the time you are aware there is a problem, irreversible damage may have already occurred. This is why it is so important to see your eye doctor for a regular vision exam. Blurred and hazy vision as well as limited peripheral vision are signs of damage. In the case of acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can be sudden and severe. Eye pain, severe headache, nausea and vomiting are symptoms that there is a problem and you need to seek immediate medical care.

Contact The Vision Place in San Antonio, TX!

Contact our optometrist at The Vision Place in San Antonio to make an appointment for an assessment of your eyes. Call our office today at 210-764-1113 to find out more information.