Glaucoma FAQs
Glaucoma can cause blurry vision and make tasks like reading or driving challenging. Not only that, but it can also lead to blindness if it is left untreated. At Family EyeCare at Westchase in Tampa, FL, we provide comprehensive eye exams to learn more about your condition and treatment to preserve your vision. Before visiting us, we invite you to keep reading to learn about some frequently asked questions regarding glaucoma!
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma occurs when high eye pressure causes damage to the optic nerve over time, which results in peripheral vision loss. There is a clear fluid known as aqueous humor and flows through the front of the eye. If it cannot properly drain, pressure builds up. High eye pressure can often happen due to the following:
• Aging
• Severe nearsightedness
• Eye injury
• Long-term corticosteroid use
• Family history
What are Some Symptoms of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. In order to detect high eye pressure and receive an early diagnosis, it is important to have regular eye exams. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience the following:
• Blind spots developing in peripheral vision
• Seeing halos around lights
• Nausea or vomiting
• Red eyes
• Eye pain
How is Glaucoma Treated?
Glaucoma treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure with medications, laser procedures, or surgery to slow down the progression of the disease. Our optometrists may recommend prescription eye drops, laser trabeculoplasty to open drainage canals, trabeculectomy, or minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries. After an eye exam, we can determine which treatment would be best suited for your condition.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing any symptoms of glaucoma, our team at Family EyeCare at Westchase in Tampa, FL, is happy to help. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your eye exam, contact us at (813) 814-2020 today. When you need an optometrist near me, we look forward to assisting you!