Glaucoma

Detecting glaucoma at the first signs of trouble can help prevent blurred, impaired, or even lost vision. The experienced ophthalmologists at Eye Site Sacramento in Sacramento and Folsom, California, specialize in diagnosing and treating glaucoma. With the most advanced technology and state-of-the-art treatments, Eye Site Sacramento offers the best glaucoma care available. Call the nearest office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disorder that progressively puts pressure on the optic nerve, which sends signals to your brain. When this buildup of tension damages your optic nerve, it can cause vision loss. Glaucoma is one of the top causes of blindness around the world. 

Asymptomatic in its early stages, many patients don’t realize they have glaucoma until they experience vision problems. An early diagnosis can help preserve your vision and eye health.

What are the signs of glaucoma?

The signs of glaucoma usually depend on the type you have:

Open-angle glaucoma

The most common type, open-angle glaucoma rarely shows early symptoms. You may experience mild blind spots in your peripheral (side) vision at first. Over time, open-angle glaucoma can damage your central vision.

Normal-tension glaucoma

Normal-tension glaucoma is often the result of vascular disorders, migraines, and other chronic conditions. It’s a type of open-angle glaucoma that causes blurred vision.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a rare type that leads to:

• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Redness
• Eye pain

Some people also experience nausea and vomiting with this type of glaucoma.

Childhood glaucoma

It can be difficult to spot glaucoma in children. Common symptoms include increased blinking, blurred vision, and visibly cloudy eyes. Some children also experience headaches.

What causes glaucoma?

Glaucoma develops when the optic nerve becomes damaged. The most common cause is fluid buildup in the back of the eye. The eye may create too much fluid, and its drainage system may not function properly. The ophthalmologists at Eye Site Sacramento provide comprehensive testing to find out the cause of glaucoma and determine the type you have.

What are the treatments for glaucoma?

At Eye Site Sacramento, the providers use office optical coherence tomography (OCT) to help diagnose early glaucoma. This device measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer in the back of the eye. If it’s too thick, your ophthalmologist can thin out the tissue to relieve pressure on the optic nerve and slow the progression of glaucoma.

Other common glaucoma treatments include:

• Medicated eye drops
• Surgery
• Laser eye surgery
• Drainage tubes
• Oral medications

Your glaucoma treatment depends on the severity of your condition. 

Call Eye Site Sacramento today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about glaucoma.