What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. It’s a condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing gradual loss of sight. According to the Mayo Clinic, Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by an abnormally high pressure in your eye.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary depending on the type and stage of your condition. For example:
Open-angle glaucoma
- Patchy blind spots in your side (peripheral) or central vision, frequently in both eyes
- Tunnel vision in the advanced stages
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Severe headache
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye redness
If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.
When to see a doctor
We recommend that everyone get an eye exam at least once per year because the leading causes of visual impairment don’t show sign at early onset. For patient who are diagnosed with Glaucoma, the medical protocol is that you see your eye doctor every 3 month. To schedule an exam exam with us, please call 407-292-9812.
If you leave outside of the greater Orlando, FL areas and you’re experiencing some of the symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma, such as severe headache, eye pain and blurred vision, go to your nearest emergency room or an eye doctor’s (ophthalmologist or optometrist) office.
