Glaucoma is a disease that affects your vision, and you should prioritize visits to the eye doctor to ensure that you remain healthy. It’s the top cause of blindness among individuals over the age of 60, and it requires early detection and treatment to prevent significant changes to your vision. Below is more information about this condition.

What Is Glaucoma?

When the optic nerve—which is responsible for delivering images to the brain—experiences damage, you may develop glaucoma. Typically, this happens when pressure builds up inside the eye and impedes the function of the optic nerve. Sometimes that pressure develops when something blocks the flow natural fluids from the eye.

However, it can also happen as the result of an injury or infection. The force of the event strains the optic nerve and damages it. Without prompt treatment, you may experience severe vision problems and eventual blindness.

What Are the Common Types?

When eye doctors can’t determine the cause of the disease, they call it primary glaucoma. On the other hand, when it develops because of another medical problem, it is known as secondary glaucoma.

There are several types of primary glaucoma, including open-angle, which is the most common. In this situation, pressure on the nerve is to blame. Normal-tension glaucoma is a variation of open-angle, and occurs when there is no apparent pressure in the eye, yet symptoms of glaucoma still develop.

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when fluids can’t drain from the eye, causing sudden buildup. This is the most severe and it requires immediate treatment to prevent blindness.

What Are the Symptoms?

Open-angle glaucoma doesn’t always present symptoms, which is why you should see an eye doctor regularly to catch the disease early. However, people with angle-closure glaucoma may experience minor headaches, eye discomfort, and blurred vision. Normal-tension glaucoma may cause many of these symptoms, as well as nerve damage.

Whether you have a history of glaucoma or wish to schedule a routine eye exam, trust Staarmann Family Vision Center Inc. in Fairfield, OH. This family eye care center is committed to your satisfaction and eye health. They offer a variety of services, including comprehensive vision care, vision prescriptions, and vision therapy. Visit the website for more information about their services. Call (513) 874-1718 to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.