Glaucoma occurs when increased pressure in the eye causes a gradual loss of eyesight. The disease damages the eye’s optic nerve when fluid builds up with no way to escape. It’s important to schedule glaucoma testing during your regular eye exam to ensure an early diagnosis and protect your vision from any damage caused by the disease. The guide below explains more about the causes and treatment of this medical condition.

A Guide to Glaucoma Testing & Treatment

What Are the Causes of Glaucoma?

There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. In primary open-angle glaucoma, eye pressure builds up gradually when fluid doesn’t drain normally. It’s initially painless and causes no vision problems until after the nerves have become severely damaged. Glaucoma testing during an exam will allow the eye doctor to detect damage signs early and provide effective treatments that can stop vision loss.

The second type is acute angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs when the iris is pushed up against the drainage channels in the eye. When this happens, the fluid that normally flows out of the eye cannot drain out, causing a rapid build-up of pressure. This is considered an emergency situation, as it can lead to blindness if the pressure isn’t relieved quickly. Signs of an acute attack include blurry vision, headache, severe eye pain, nausea, and seeing halos around lights. 

What Are the Treatments?

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments, based on the type of symptoms you have and the progression of the disease. Treatments can include pills, eye drops, surgery, or any of these methods combined. Annual glaucoma testing is essential to detect problems early and help prevent total loss of eyesight.

When you need professional eye care and glaucoma testing, turn to the specialists at Alan L. Ginsburg OD in High Point, NC. The optometrist has been serving residents of Guilford County for more than 40 years. The family eye care team provides vision exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses for all ages, ensuring your whole family will be able to see the world clearly. To learn more about their services, visit the eye doctor online or call (336) 889-6566 to schedule an appointment today.