Glaucoma Services from Your Eye Doctor in Knoxville, TN

Glaucoma is increasingly in the news as the baby boomer generation matures.  While most people consider it a specific disease, it is a collection of conditions that can damage a patient’s optic nerve.  Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of vision" due to its lack of symptoms until vision loss is severe.    

The focus of our Karns Vision in Knoxville is preserving as much vision as possible and diagnosing glaucoma as soon as possible.

Understanding Glaucoma

Among conditions responsible for U.S. blindness, glaucoma is second.  Any vision loss is permanent and irreversible.     

The cause is an accumulation of aqueous humor in the anterior portion of the eye without proper filtration.  Without proper treatment, blindness follows.  As damage to the optic nerve builds, the patient may gradually lose peripheral vision.

Of the several types of glaucoma, there are 2 main glaucoma conditions.  The more common is open-angle.  The other is angle-closure.  The difference between them is how blockage of fluid occurs, then fails to drain properly.

The biggest problem with glaucoma is that there are often no symptoms until vision loss is significant.  The most common open-angle symptoms are blind spots in the central or the side visual field that sometimes cause tunnel vision.  Among angle-closure patients, blurred vision, eye pain, halos surrounding lights, headaches, and redness of the eye are common.

Risk factors for both include:

• Genetics
• Age older than 50
• Thin sections in the central portion of corneas
• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness
• Particular eye surgeries
• Prior eye injury
• Extended corticosteroid use
• Elevated intraocular pressure

Treatment

Unfortunately, many signs of glaucoma are not obvious in the early stages of the disorder.  Often the first indication is noticing foggy or cloudy vision that progresses to peripheral vision loss.  At some point after that, the disorder begins to affect the central visual field.  Our eye doctor indicates that it is important that patients report any perceived vision changes promptly and make sure to undergo scheduled exams at our optometry practice.

We closely monitor individuals with this diagnosis.  Prescription drops and systemic drugs are available to lower eye pressure.  For patients likely to profit from any of the laser surgery procedures available for this condition, we are available to provide pre-and post-operative care.  Fortunately, most types of glaucoma can be treated with drops and monitored at 3-4 month intervals effectively.  With proper treatment and management, most patients lead happy and productive lives.  

Schedule an Exam with Our Knoxville Eye Doctor

The most important thing individuals can do to protect against vision loss from conditions such as glaucoma is to undergo regular eye exams. Karns Vision provides full-service optometry care, including pre-and post-operative services.  Our Knoxville eye doctor uses the most recent technology to treat disorders related to the eyes. 

Whether your need is specialized sports-related services or corrective lenses, we provide exceptional care that is always personalized to the patient’s needs.  Call us today at (865) 247-7715 to schedule an exam with our optometrist.