Unfortunately when glaucoma sets in there are no noticeable symptoms in patients. Called the silent killer, glaucoma symptoms are usually overlooked as a condition of some other eye problem. But with time, glaucoma causes sudden and irreversible nerve damage.
What are the warning signs of glaucoma?
The following are a list of symptoms to watch out for:
- Trouble seeing objects in dark rooms. People with normal vision can see scant traces of objects, but patients with glaucoma cannot see anything.
- Nearsightedness in combination with farsightedness. Patients with glaucoma have difficulty focusing on objects and seeing them clearly.
- High sensitivity to light. Excessive squinting on exposure to light.
- Pain in and around the eye region.
- The earliest and most apparent symptom of glaucoma is the formation of a dark sphere in the center of a person’s field of vision.
- Distorted vision with persistent wavy images.
The following are serious symptoms of glaucoma that need immediate eye care:
- Loss of vision in one eye abruptly and suddenly. Glaucoma usually affects both the eyes. Therefore, quick action by the patient in consulting an eye doctor can save the vision of the other eye.
- Sudden blurred vision
- Black spots in the field of vision
Who can get glaucoma?
Sometimes high eye pressure does not necessarily mean that the patient develops glaucoma, but chances are more in such patients. Aging is one of the causes, but not the sole cause. Elevated eye pressure levels increase the chances of optic nerve damage manifold. A family history of glaucoma can also contribute to this condition in a patient. Injuries to the eye cause nerve damage. Constant use of steroids and in excess alleviates blood pressure and inadvertently the eye pressure.
What are the treatment options for glaucoma?
Treatment is given based on a patient to patient and case by case basis. There is no cure for this eye condition, but it can be controlled. Some of the control remedies are using eye drops, oral medicines, laser treatment, and surgical corrective treatments. Patients are required to visit a good eye clinic such as the Houston LASIK & Eye in Houston to gain a better estimate of how successfully they were in controlling the glaucoma in their eyes. Even with treatment it is important to take correct prescriptions to completely halt glaucoma in its tracks. This is where a reputed eye clinic comes into the reckoning given that glaucoma is a very individualistic eye condition and needs customized, patient-specific treatment. Patients may also need LASIK laser eye surgery for vision improvements.
How does medication stop the progress of glaucoma?
Medications and eye drops simply lower the build-up of pressure in the eye. Eye drops lower the fluid build-up in the eye and increases the drainage rate of this fluid. It is important to keep a record of the list of pills, eye drops, and other medication. This is helpful if in the future you decide to visit a different eye doctor.
Houston LASIK & Eye leads in providing premium LASIK technologies to Houston, Sugar Land, and the surrounding region. The Center’s award-winning medical director introduced revolutionary technologies such as iLASIK to the region. This technology is used by NASA astronauts, Navy SEALS and Air Force fighter pilots. At Houston LASIK & Eye, you can now receive the same treatment. For more information, please call (281) 240-0478 or visit us at www.houston-lasik.com.
About the Author
Amjad Khokhar, M.D. is Chief LASIK Surgeon at Houston LASIK & Eye. Add Dr. Khokhar on Google+ here.
Sources:
www.kellogg.umich.edu
