January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. The Glaucoma Research Foundation states that more than 3 million Americans have glaucoma. But while the condition is relatively common, it's also not well known. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway wants you to know what happens when glaucoma arises, as well as what steps you can take to slow down the progression of the eye disease.
What Does Glaucoma Do to Your Optic Nerve?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. This typically happens because of fluid that builds up in the front part of the eye, which leads to excessively high pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve. Once glaucoma emerges, it cannot be fully cured. But the progress of glaucoma can be slowed down, which is why it is so important to recognize symptoms of this eye disease as quickly as possible and to undergo regular eye exams.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Intraocular pressure
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Is There a Way to Prevent Glaucoma from Occurring?
Unfortunately, there is no way to 100% prevent glaucoma. Certain people, including those with a family history of the disease and those with high eye pressure, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. If you have any risk factors for glaucoma, it’s important to have an annual eye exam and to talk with your eye doctor about your specific risk. If you’re diagnosed with the condition, your eye doctor can recommend specific treatment options that can help mitigate the disease and protect your vision.
Treatment of Glaucoma
- Eye drops
- Pills
- Laser procedures
- Surgical operations
In many cases, eye-related symptoms can be caused by an everyday illness like allergies. If you’re experiencing itchy or watery eyes, stop by AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway today for a medical evaluation and treatment plan.
