Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in the United States. A simple, painless eye exam can detect the disease. With early detection and treatment, glaucoma can usually be controlled and blindness prevented.
Glaucoma Treatment – Old Bridge, NJ
Glaucoma can affect anyone, from newborn infants to the elderly. It has been estimated that up to 3 million Americans have glaucoma. At least half of those people do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms.
At Atlantic Medical Eye Care in Old Bridge, New Jersey, Dr. Robert Scharfman specializes in detecting and treating glaucoma. Treatment options include medications in the form of eye drops or pills, or different types of surgery for glaucoma, depending on the nature of the disease.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
People who are at a greater risk for glaucoma usually have the following conditions:
- At least 45 years old without regular eye exams
- A family history of glaucoma
- Abnormally high eye pressure
- African descent
- Regular, long-term use of cortisone/steroid products
- Nearsightedness
- Diabetes
- Previous eye injury
Types of Glaucoma
There are several types of glaucoma, but the two primary types are open-angle and angle-closure.
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. It accounts for at least 90% of all cases. It develops slowly over time. This form of glaucoma is caused by the slow clogging of the drainage canals, resulting in increased eye pressure.
Open-angle means that the angle where the iris meets the cornea is as wide and open, as it should be. Open-Angle Glaucoma is also called primary or chronic glaucoma.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-Closure Glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the drainage canals. This can occur slowly over time and is known as Chronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma. However, it can occur suddenly and when it does, it is known as Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma.
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma is a medical emergency. The symptoms include:
- severe eye pain
- light sensitivity
- headache
- blurry vision
- a red eye
- nausea
Immediate treatment of Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
Glaucoma Detection
To detect glaucoma, your physician will test your visual acuity and visual field and test the pressure in your eye. Regular and complete eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.
Could You Have Glaucoma?
The only way to know if you have glaucoma is to see an experienced ophthalmologist. Don’t wait — schedule an eye exam today.