While there are about 60 different types of glaucoma, open-angle eye glaucoma is the most common one. Over three million people in the United States are diagnosed with the disease each year. Glaucoma can cause damage to the active nerves in your eyes, leading to a permanent loss of vision. Here at Eyes On The Lake, we understand the importance of a comprehensive optometry exam along with a glaucoma test to ensure each patient's eye health and overall well-being. Our eye doctor is here to provide exceptional optometry eye care to patients in and around the Columbia area.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a variety of conditions that are related to damages of the optic nerve. If left untreated, glaucoma can result in eye pain, nausea, and even permanent vision loss.
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is generally considered an age-related eye disorder, with most individuals developing the disorder commonly over the age of 60. You have a higher chance of developing glaucoma if an immediate family member has the condition. Increased pressure inside the eye causes glaucoma to develop. There is not a simple trick to avoiding glaucoma. However, studies have shown that patients who undergo regular vision exams significantly reduce their chances of developing glaucoma.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma?
There are several signs and symptoms of glaucoma, including blurred vision, severe throbbing eye pain, reddening of the eyes, headaches in the forehead area or around your eyes, and nausea. Also, if you start to see halos around lights, including rainbow-colored circles, or start having an unusual sensitivity to light, you should have the pressure in your eyes checked out by our team as soon as possible.
How Do You Diagnose Glaucoma?
An eye exam not only helps to see if your prescription has changed at all, but it also helps our patients have a full understanding of their eye health. That is why we test for glaucoma at every annual eye exam. Early detection can help decrease the risk of glaucoma and the ensuing related vision loss. We use tonometry testing to measure the pressure within the eye and visual field testing to measure the area seen both peripherally and when staring straight ahead.
Contact Us for an Eye Exam from Our Optometrists in Columbia, SC
At Eyes On The Lake in Columbia, we can treat glaucoma by using medications designed to slow down the disease's progression. We know how important your eyesight is to you. That is why our passion is to provide our patients the best quality of eye care service. Whether you need new eyeglasses, an eye exam, or any other type of vision care, our team is here for you. Contact us today to see how we can help.