What Is Glaucoma and What Causes It?
Glaucoma is a combination of eye issues that damage the eye's optic nerve. When the optic nerve is damaged, pressure builds within the eye due to fluid accumulation. Chronic high blood pressure is another cause of glaucoma. The ophthalmologists at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana can help you with diagnosis and glaucoma management in Bloomington, IN.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
There are several risk factors for developing glaucoma, including if you are/have:
- Over 60 years old
- African American and over age 40
- Family history of glaucoma
- High eye pressure
- Thin corneas
- Abnormal optic nerve anatomy
Ways To Prevent Glaucoma
There are several steps you can take to help prevent glaucoma. You should:
- Wear eye protection to avoid injuring your eyes
- Monitor your blood pressure and keep it under control with diet and medication
- Maintain a healthy weight to avoid obesity, which can increase eye pressure
How an Eye Doctor Can Diagnose Glaucoma
Routine eye examinations are essential for early glaucoma diagnosis. During a routine eye examination, your eye doctor will perform a series of tests to diagnose glaucoma, including:
- Tonometry, to measure intraocular pressure
- Dilated eye examination and imaging, to detect optic nerve damage
- Visual field test, to check for areas of vision loss
- Pachymetry, to measure corneal thickness
- Gonioscopy, to inspect the angle of drainage
How an Eye Doctor Can Treat Glaucoma
Several effective ways exist to treat glaucoma and keep it from worsening. For glaucoma management in Bloomington, IN, your eye doctor may recommend:
- Prescription eye drop medications, including prostaglandins and beta blockers, to lower eye pressure
- Oral medications, to reduce eye pressure
- Laser trabeculoplasty helps drain fluid from your eyes, which reduces eye pressure
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, to reduce eye pressure
Do You Want to Know More About Glaucoma Management in Bloomington, IN?
To learn more about the causes, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment of glaucoma, call the ophthalmologists at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana in Bloomington, IN. You can reach them in the office by calling (812) 334-1213, so call today.
