Common Eye Conditions: Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that results from damage to your optic nerve. Several factors contribute to glaucoma, but most often it’s caused by a buildup of fluid that puts too much pressure on your eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to total vision loss, so it’s important to keep regular appointments for vision screenings with your optometrist in Champaign, IL. This is especially true if you begin noticing changes in your vision.

What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

There are several types of glaucoma: open-angle, closed-angle, and normal tension. Open-angle is more common and includes symptoms such as blind spots and tunnel vision. Closed-angle glaucoma may cause you to see halos around lights, have blurry vision, and red, irritated eyes. More serious symptoms of closed-angle glaucoma include severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and eye pain.

If you have normal tension glaucoma, you may notice the loss of your peripheral vision first. In the later stages, you may develop tunnel vision. Normal tension glaucoma is not caused by high eye pressure. In fact, doctors don’t really know exactly what causes this form of the disease.

Why Early Detection is Key

Early detection by your optometrist can help you avoid worsening symptoms of glaucoma. It may also help prevent further deterioration of your optic nerve. This condition is often related to other chronic conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. So, if you’ve recently been diagnosed with either, a visit to your eye doctor in Champaign, IL, is especially important.

Treatment for Glaucoma in Champaign, IL

If you’ve recently begun noticing changes in your vision, a glaucoma screening in Champaign, IL, is recommended. A routine screening and early treatment could be your best defense against the long-term effects of glaucoma. Book an appointment with Champaign Eye Professionals today.