According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the foremost cause of irreversible blindness is glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye that is typically caused by increased pressure within the eye. Over an extended period, this increased intraocular pressure can harm the optic nerve and cause vision loss. As January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, PremierMED Ophthalmology in Winter Garden believes it is essential to help prevent blindness by discussing those who may be at increased risk, a few symptoms, and typical treatments for this common disease.
Written by William Blackstone. Reviewed by Dr. Michael Imler, MD.
What Are The Symptoms?
Unfortunately, most people who have begun developing glaucoma are unaware of it. The primary symptoms begin with peripheral vision loss and increased intraocular pressure, which slowly progress over time, and may go unnoticed until the disease becomes severe. To prevent further vision loss, it is essential to discover the disease early by being diagnosed by a nearby ophthalmologist in Winter Garden.
Am I At Risk?
Similar to other inheritable diseases, having a family history of glaucoma or visual impairments dramatically increases one’s risk of developing glaucoma. In addition, those over 40 years old and/or suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, and/or poor blood circulation are at higher-than-average risk of developing permanent vision loss from glaucoma.
Is It Preventable?
Glaucoma is preventable through various treatments; however, it is irreversible once vision loss has begun. Through treatment by an ophthalmologist in Winter Garden, prevention will consist of eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure, consistent monitoring of vision loss, and potential surgery depending on the type of glaucoma.
To prevent permanent vision loss, an appropriate diagnosis by an eye doctor is critical. Glaucoma can be diagnosed by measuring the intraocular pressure of each eye, a peripheral visual field test, and an optic nerve examination by a licensed ophthalmologist in Winter Garden. If you or others may have noticed symptoms of visual impairments, have a family history of glaucoma, or could benefit from seeing an ophthalmologist in Winter Garden, contact Dr. Michael Imler, MD, at PremierMED Ophthalmology in Winter Garden, Florida, to schedule a consultation and discuss your risk for developing glaucoma.
Citations
- Boyd, K. (2023, January 19). What is glaucoma? Symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
- Mukamal, R. (2023, January 11) What to know after a glaucoma diagnosis. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/common-questions-concerns-glaucoma-diagnosis