Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that can cause blindness. Once the damage has been done, it cannot be reserved. However, glaucoma treatment can help slow the disease and save your eyesight when diagnosed early. An optometrist, like our eye doctor at F & M Family Eye Care in Riverdale, GA, can perform exams to check for glaucoma and, if detected, can talk to you about the next steps you need to take.

glaucoma

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma occurs when your optic nerve is damaged when the fluid in your eye doesn't drain properly. This fluid build up causes high internal eye pressure (also known as intraocular pressure). Your chance of getting the disease can depend on many things:

  • your family history (having someone else in your family with glaucoma increases your chances)
  • preexisting illnesses (such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure)
  • your age (those who are older are more susceptible to developing the disease)
  • your ethnicity (African American, Asian or Hispanic are more likely to get glaucoma than those of European descent)
  • Extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness

If you have any of these risk factors, you should schedule regular eye exams to check for glaucoma.

Does Glaucoma Cause Blindness?

Yes, glaucoma can cause you to go blind when not treated. And, unfortunately, most who have the eye disease will not notice any symptoms until it is at an advanced stage. That makes getting a comprehensive eye exam important. Once your glaucoma diagnosis is made, treatment can begin that will slow or stop the progression of the disease.

How Is Glaucoma Determined?

Our optometrist can perform an eye exam that can measure your eye pressure.

Can Children Have Glaucoma?

Yes, although not as common, even infants can get glaucoma due to fluid not draining properly and causing high pressure in the eyes.

What Are the Next Steps if I Do Have Glaucoma?

Sometimes, especially in the early stages, glaucoma can be treated with prescription eye drops, medication, or laser therapy. But, you can also help yourself by eating a balanced diet, maintaining a good weight, and exercising, especially if you have other health conditions.

Get Glaucoma Treatment from Our Eye Doctor on Our Optometry Team

Glaucoma can be scary, but we can help! At F & M Family Eye Care in Riverdale, GA, we offer a wide variety of optical services and exams, including checking for glaucoma. Our eye exams can save your eyesight. Call us at (770) 996-3495 for our optometry services from our eye doctor.

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