Glaucoma Care in Bellevue

Overlake EyeCare in Bellevue is a great opportunity to experience quality eye care and professional services that are suited to you, the patient. A part of that quality care is the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Below is a bit more information about the disease.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that concentrates on the optic nerve, which is the eye's direct link to the brain. Most people who suffer from the disease have one of two types, primary open-angle and angle-closure. The most common form of the disease is primary open-angle glaucoma. Improper drainage of excess fluid in the eye builds pressure that damages the optic nerve. Vision impairment is gradual and painless.

With angle-closure glaucoma, the iris blocks the drainage angle and fluid builds rapidly enough to constitute an emergency. Optometrists call this an acute attack and blindness is usually imminent. This type of glaucoma develops slowly until it becomes severe and very quickly deteriorates vision. You may experience warning signs such as blurry vision, severe pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, and seeing lights behind images that look framed by rainbow colors.

Can I Use Marijuana to Treat Glaucoma?

Marijuana is not a treatment for glaucoma or any other eye ailment. It may address some symptoms, but it cannot be used to treat the disease. Research conducted during the 1970s and 1980s proved that the use of marijuana showed a measurable decrease in eye pressure for a few hours, but not nearly long enough to be considered treatment.

Does Alcohol Help with Glaucoma?

The same study for marijuana determined that alcohol also showed a measurable decrease in eye pressure for one to two hours, again not nearly long enough to be considered a treatment.

I Have Sleep Apnea. Should I Worry About Glaucoma?

There is evidence to support the fact that those who suffer from sleep apnea are more likely to develop glaucoma. There does appear to be a connection between the two conditions in their early stages, however, the exact reason as to why this is the case is still unknown.

How Can Glaucoma Be Treated?

Eye care professionals use microsurgery, medicated eye drops, and laser treatments to treat the disease. These procedures will stop glaucoma from worsening, but any damage done to the eye cannot be reversed. Seek out the professionals at Overlake Eyecare in Bellevue to be tested for glaucoma and get a complete eye exam today!