An optometrist is a primary eye care professional who performs comprehensive eye examinations to assess vision and overall eye health. They are trained to diagnose and manage eye conditions, develop treatment plans, and prescribe corrective lenses. When surgical intervention or specialized care is needed, an optometrist will refer patients to an ophthalmologist. They are a medical doctor who specializes in surgical eye procedures. Here are some frequently asked questions about glaucoma:
What Are the Signs of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which is necessary for sending visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often linked to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the fluid pressure inside the eye. When the fluid in the front part of the eye does not circulate or drain properly, the pressure can build and potentially harm the optic nerve fibers.
While some forms of glaucoma can progress without early warning signs, others may present with noticeable symptoms. Awareness of these signs can help in seeking timely medical care. Some common symptoms include:
- Eye Pain or Pressure
- Headaches
- Redness in the Eye
- Blurred or Double Vision
- Blind Spots in Your Peripheral or Central Vision
- Halos or Rings Around Lights
- Vision Changes That May Be Sudden
Some types of glaucoma develop slowly and may not produce any noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has already occurred. Regular eye examinations with an optometrist can help catch hidden signs of glaucoma.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Because glaucoma can progress without symptoms, regular check-ups allow an eye care professional to monitor changes in your eye health. Glaucoma can be related to optic nerve damage or eye fluid drainage, so certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing it. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Common Risk Factors
Several factors are associated with a higher risk of glaucoma, including:
- Advanced Age
- Family History of Glaucoma
- Certain Racial or Ethnic Backgrounds
Associated health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, as well as significant refractive errors, like high myopia (nearsightedness), may also increase risk. A history of serious eye injury can also be a contributing risk factor.
Urgent Situations
Certain symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to an eye care professional. Sudden onset of severe eye pain, seeing halos around lights, or experiencing nausea along with eye pain are warning signs that require urgent attention. Any sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes also necessitates an immediate evaluation.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment approaches depend on the type and severity of the condition, as determined by a thorough evaluation from an eye care professional. The primary goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure to prevent or slow down further damage to the optic nerve. Available treatments generally fall into two categories: medications and surgical or laser procedures.
Medicated eye drops are often the first line of treatment. Common classes of medications include prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Combination drops containing more than one type of medication may be prescribed in some cases.
When medications are not sufficient or well-tolerated, a procedure or surgery may be recommended. Laser trabeculoplasty and laser iridotomy are common laser procedures used to improve fluid drainage. Other options include minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), which uses small devices to help lower eye pressure. More traditional surgical approaches include trabeculectomy, which creates a new drainage channel for the eye, and the implantation of glaucoma drainage devices.
Learn More From an Optometrist
A timely and comprehensive eye evaluation is a key component of protecting your vision. By understanding your risk factors and eye health status with routine eye exams, you can catch signs of glaucoma early. Contact an optometrist today to schedule a comprehensive exam.
