Frequently Asked Questions about Glaucoma Treatment at Yakima Vision Center
Yakima Vision Center is proud to serve as your information resource for all kinds of eye diseases and disorders, including glaucoma. If you’re unfamiliar with this potential cause of blindness, here are some frequently asked questions about glaucoma treatment.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is an eye disease that destroys the nerve fibers that make up the optic nerve, which relays visual data to the brain for eyesight. Glaucoma’s effects are progressive and currently irreversible.
Why do people get glaucoma?
Glaucoma is usually associated with high fluid pressure inside the eye. The eye is constantly creating a fluid called the aqueous humor, draining the excess off through a drainage system in the iris. If normal drainage can’t occur, the resulting pressure damages the optic nerve. It’s worth noting that some people may develop glaucoma even if their fluid pressure is normal.
Who has an elevated risk for glaucoma?
Glaucoma risk may be elevated due to factors such as Asian, Hispanic or African ethnicity, advancing age, abnormally thin corneal tissue, hypertension, diabetes, circulatory problems and other underlying health issues.
What are the common glaucoma symptoms?
The more acute kind of glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, can produce sudden, intense symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea, pain and vomiting. The more common open-angle glaucoma produces gradual vision loss, starting with peripheral vision, but these glaucoma symptoms may appear only after significant damage has already occurred — which is why it’s critical for get checked regularly for this disease by either Yakima eye doctor at our clinic.
How does my Yakima Vision Center optometrist detect glaucoma?
Your Yakima Vision Center optometrist, Dr. Farmer will examine the interior of the eye (with the aid of pupil dilation) to look for changes in the optic nerve. A technique called tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye for ocular hypertension that might indicate glaucoma. Vision testing helps your Yakima eye doctor catch trouble signs such as loss of peripheral vision.
What forms of glaucoma treatment in Yakima can you provide?
While glaucoma’s damage can’t be reversed, the condition’s progress can frequently be controlled through medications in the form of eye drops and oral drugs. These medications can reduce the eye’s fluid production and/or help the drainage system work better. If these measures don’t help, we can refer you to an eye surgeon for quick, painless laser procedures that improve drainage.
What glaucoma prevention steps can I take to preserve my eyesight?
Protecting your cardiovascular health is central to glaucoma prevention. Stay active, don’t smoke, watch your weight, consume a varied diet rich in nutrients, and get conditions such as hypertension or diabetes under control.
Learn More and Schedule an Eye Exam with Our Optometrist at Yakima Vision Center
Early detection is just as important and glaucoma prevention, so why not get more answers about this condition while you’re getting an eye exam from our optometrist? Call us at (509) 965-5200 today for an appointment!