Glaucoma is a common disease that can damage the optic nerve due to a buildup of pressure. According to The World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and half of the people with the disease don’t know that they have it. Because early treatment from an eye doctor can prevent blindness, it’s vital to understand the disease and the symptoms.

What to Know about Glaucoma

What Causes It

The fluid inside the eye, which is called aqueous humor, flows out of it. When the channel gets blocked for any reason, the liquid builds up and puts a lot of pressure on the front part of the eye, damaging the optic nerve. The channel can be blocked for any number of reasons. Most commonly, it is a genetic trait passed down through families. It can also result from a bad eye infection, eye injury, or blocked blood vessels.

How to Recognize Symptoms

In the early stages, the optic nerve damage does not cause any recognizable symptoms. However, later on, it will create blind spots, beginning with the peripheral vision (also known as side vision). Even then, this change occurs slowly and can be difficult to detect.

To find glaucoma early on, it’s essential to get an annual exam from an eye doctor. By looking into your eye, they can see the pressure and work on a treatment plan before you experience any permanent vision changes. Depending on your situation, the treatment may include eye drops, medications, laser treatments, surgery, or a combination of these.

If it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, you should visit an eye doctor. Clear Vision Center offers premier vision care services at its state-of-the-art office in Brooklyn, NY. Whether you want a glaucoma test or need prescription glasses, this practice handles it all. See their full range of services online, and call (718) 771-0078 to schedule an appointment with the eye doctor.