- posted: Jan. 27, 2022
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that affect the eye's optic nerve. An eye doctor can make an official diagnosis during a comprehensive eye exam. At Kilgo Eyecare, we provide the testing and management patients need to prevent glaucoma from controlling their lives. If you live in the Asheville, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Brevard, or Weaverville area, our professional staff is ready to help you.
Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, but the two most common types are open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma. Open-angle is more common, and it occurs when fluid cannot drain properly from the eyes. This causes eye pressure to increase and affects the optic nerve. Closed-angled glaucoma is less common, but the eye's drainage system can become entirely blocked, and pressure increases rapidly.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a silent disease, making it essential to get routine eye exams annually since the condition does not present any initial symptoms. However, as glaucoma progresses, common symptoms include:
- Severe eye pain
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seeing halos around light that affect the visual field
Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Any person can develop glaucoma. However, patients are more at risk of glaucoma if they:
- Have diabetes
- Are over the age of 40
- Use steroid medications
- Have a family history of glaucoma
Glaucoma Treatment
There is no known cure for glaucoma. However, there are treatments available to slow the progression of the disease. These include:
- Eye Drops: We will prescribe eye drops to keep the pressure down in your eyes and help with the pain.
- Laser Surgery: It increases the fluid in the eyes or stops fluid blockage.
- Trabeculectomy: A microsurgery that creates a new channel to drain fluid.
Contact Kilgo Eyecare for Glaucoma Testing and Treatment
Glaucoma is highly treatable if you get an early diagnosis from an optometrist. At Kilgo Eyecare, we provide glaucoma treatment and other eye care services. Contact us today to learn more about glaucoma treatment and how our eye doctors can help. We look forward to serving you and your eye care needs.
