How Glaucoma Affects the Way You Live Life

As the leading cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60, glaucoma affects your life by increasing the intraocular pressure (IOP) in the fluid chamber of your eye. Normally, the fluid in the eyes drains out through special channels called the trabecular meshwork. When these channels become blocked, the fluid no longer drains, and pressure intensifies in the eye. Ultimately, this can impair the optic nerve, which can lead to loss of vision or blindness if not treated. Dr. Sina J. Sabet, your ophthalmologist in Alexandria, VA, understands that early detection and immediate treatment of glaucoma help preserve your eyesight.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can develop glaucoma at any age, you are at an increased risk of developing glaucoma if you:

• Have a history of eye trauma or eye disease
• Are age 60 and above
• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Take prednisone or cortisone
• Are diabetic

The Symptoms of Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, develops slowly and rarely produces noticeable symptoms until much of your peripheral vision is already permanently lost.

Angle-closure glaucoma is much less common and occurs quickly due to the drainage channels closing abruptly.

You should call us immediately for an appointment if you experience any of the following:

• Blurry vision
• Eye pain
• Halo around light
• Vision loss
• Tunnel vision

Diagnosing and Treating Glaucoma

A comprehensive eye examination from our ophthalmologist can detect the presence of glaucoma before symptoms can appear or damage the nerve. Once our ophthalmologist has determined the type and extent of your glaucoma, he will create a treatment plan to help you preserve your remaining eyesight.

Treatments may include eye drops to control the pressure in the eye or surgery to allow the trabecular meshwork to drain the fluid properly.

Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Appear to Schedule an Eye Exam

Glaucoma leads to blindness without treatment. Dr. Sabet, your ophthalmologist in Alexandria, VA, and his dedicated staff are ready to help you to diagnose and manage your glaucoma. Call us at 703-370-9411 for an appointment today.