At Clinton Eye Associates, our priority is to stay well-versed in research and information about eye conditions and improvements in eye care. We want to provide the latest information for our patients to better care for their vision and themselves. Our team at Clinton Eye Associates has been serving the Clinton community for 31 years. Dr. Ostrom guides his patients through a wide range of eye care issues and conditions. One of the conditions we look for and treat is glaucoma.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition that damages vision by injuring the nerves in the eye and the connective systems between the eye and the optic nerve. A buildup of pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure, can be created by several different eye problems. This pressure puts stress on the vessels, walls, and nerve cells. The symptoms of glaucoma appear as subtle signs or not at all. It is important to keep your annual eye exam appointments so our optometrist can check for the condition. Once the level of damage reaches the optic nerve, the deterioration of your eyesight becomes irreversible.
Types of Glaucoma
Just as intraocular pressure that leads to glaucoma can have various sources, there are a few different types of glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is named for the angle of the intersection between the cornea and iris. The angle opens wide in these patients as it should in eyes without glaucoma. The buildup of intraocular pressure comes from the fluid being unable to drain. In this type of glaucoma, the drainage vessels are blocked further down the tubes instead of near their openings in the eyes. Millions of Americans suffer from primary open-angle glaucoma. Optometrists report that it is the most commonly diagnosed type. If it is identified early enough, the fluid drainage can usually be improved with medication.
Alternately, if the iris remains constricted in a patient and its edges block the drainage canal openings in the eye when the pupil enlarges to allow in more light, angle-closure glaucoma can result. This type of glaucoma gives warning signs like eye pain, severe headaches, a rainbow appearance around lights, and blurry vision. If you experience these symptoms you should schedule an eye exam immediately before your vision is damaged. Angle-closure glaucoma requires surgery to re-open the drainage ports and relieve the pressure. This type is rarely seen in patients.
A third type, normal-tension glaucoma, develops while the intraocular pressure has not risen above normal levels. For whatever reason, the nerves and nerve tissue may have blood flow problems, or pressure may develop in the smaller blood vessels and build up from there. Sufferers may start to notice blurred central vision and have intense headaches. Depending on the degree of nerve damage, this type of glaucoma can be addressed with medication or surgery.
Get Glaucoma Testing and Treatment in Clinton, CT
At Clinton Eye Associates, we encourage our patients to take steps to monitor and maintain their eye health. Annual eye exams are the best way to detect glaucoma and other serious eye health conditions. Call us today at (860) 669-2020 to schedule your next eye exam.