Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of vision loss in seniors. It leads to optic nerve damage and causes elevations in ocular pressure. Existing vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, so it is important to get regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist. Here are some common symptoms and treatments for glaucoma.
Symptoms
While open-angle glaucoma may not cause significant symptoms other than visual deficits, the symptoms of acute-angle glaucoma can be alarming. They may include severe eye pain and headache, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity.
In addition, you may develop eye redness, blurred vision, and you may also experience a halo-effect phenomenon when you look at bright lights. If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, make an appointment with a Glaucoma Doctor St. Augustine FL as soon as possible.
Treatments
Your Glaucoma Doctor St. Augustine FL will develop a treatment plan for your eye disorder based on the type and severity of your glaucoma. Common treatment options include eye drops to help lower eye pressure. One of the most common types of eye drops used in the treatment of glaucoma includes beta-blocker drops. While not common, beta-blocker drops can cause lowered blood pressure, a slow heart rate, fatigue, and trouble breathing.
In addition to pressure-lowering eye drops, your eye doctor may recommend laser therapy. While not usually recommended for acute-angle glaucoma, laser therapy known as laser trabeculoplasty is an effective option for those who have open-angle glaucoma.
This procedure is performed in the ophthalmologist’s office and does not require general anesthesia. During the procedure, your eye doctor uses a laser beam to open up the blocked channels in your eyes. While effective in decreasing intraocular pressure, the therapeutic effects of laser trabeculoplasty can take weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.
If you believe you may have glaucoma or another eye disease, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
