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What Are the First Signs of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition involving damage to the optic nerve, at times also including increased intraocular pressure. Over time, glaucoma typically leads to permanent vision loss as the optic nerve deteriorates. 

Anyone is technically at risk of developing glaucoma, so understanding what the first signs of the condition are critical. That allows you to take swift action if symptoms develop, making it easier to preserve your vision through proper treatment. 

The First Signs of Glaucoma 

There are a few early warning signs that glaucoma is developing. Some patients may only have a single symptom, while others may experience several. Regardless of the number of symptoms, it’s critical to understand that they’re potentially indicative of a serious condition. 

Here’s a look at some of the first signs of glaucoma. 

Blurry or Hazy Vision 

Intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage both impact visual acuity. As a result, one of the first signs may people with early-stage glaucoma notice is blurriness or hazy vision. In some cases, patients may also experience other visual distortions. Regardless of its nature, any vision changes are worrisome, as they’re often indicative of an eye condition. 

Eye Redness 

Increased pressure in the eye can lead to redness. Its severity can vary, as well as its persistence. However, eye redness without a clear cause is a potential sign of glaucoma. 

Halos Around Lights 

Halos around lights are potentially a symptom of several eye conditions, including glaucoma. In some cases, the halos experienced by those developing glaucoma are described as both colorful and bright. However, any halos that aren’t attributed to a known condition are potentially concerning. 

Eye Pain 

Glaucoma can cause eye pain, even in the early stages. Additionally, headaches can also occur in the eye area. Often, the pain is severe, often so much so that it differentiates itself from other types of headaches. 

Nausea or Vomiting 

Typically, nausea or vomiting alone aren’t symptoms of glaucoma. However, if they’re accompanied by vision changes and eye pain, they’re potentially symptoms of the condition. 

What to Do If You Have Signs of Glaucoma 

If you’re experiencing any of the early signs of glaucoma above, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your eye care provider right away. They can formally evaluate you for the condition, and if glaucoma is responsible for your symptoms, they’ll develop a plan to reduce damage and alleviate symptoms. 

Even if glaucoma isn’t responsible, some of the symptoms above are associated with other serious eye conditions. As a result, it’s always best to get evaluated right away if you’re experiencing vision changes, eye pain, unexplained redness, or halos, including if it is or isn’t associated with nausea or vomiting. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above that could indicate glaucoma or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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What Are the Early Signs of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition impacting the optic nerve. As intraocular pressure builds, damage to the optic nerve can occur, leading to permanent vision defects and loss, potentially leading to blindness.  

While glaucoma isn’t typically preventable, early detection is crucial if you want to avoid optic nerve damage and slow the progression of vision loss. By knowing the early signs of glaucoma, you can take action at a critical time, increasing your odds of maintaining as much of your vision as possible.  

Here’s what you need to know about the early signs of glaucoma, as well as when you should see an eye health provider.  

Early Signs of Glaucoma  

Generally, there are a few symptoms that can be early signs of glaucoma. One of the most common ones is the loss of peripheral – or side – vision. Over time, it can lead to a sort of tunnel vision, though the process is often slow and hard to identify right when it begins.  

Halos around light are another symptom of glaucoma. Sensitivity to light is similarly a classic sign. In both of these cases, the issues may be particularly apparent in specific situations, such as driving at night.  

Other forms of vision loss – including a sudden decline in acuity or the visual field – can indicate glaucoma, too. Eye redness and pain could be a symptom of acute glaucoma. Haziness of the cornea is a potential symptom, though it’s usually only present with childhood glaucoma.  

In some cases, unexplained nausea or vomiting may also be related to glaucoma, particularly the acute form. The same goes for headaches and blurry vision.  

When to See an Eye Health Provider  

Ultimately, it’s always wise to see an eye health provider whenever you notice any shifts in the visual field or acuity, as well as symptoms of physical changes in the eye. Glaucoma typically isn’t preventable. However, with proper management, vision loss can be minimized.  

Additionally, some of the early signs of glaucoma are also symptoms of other serious eye conditions. For example, redness and eye pain may indicate an infection and, depending on the type, permanent eye damage can occur with surprising speed. Halos may be a sign of glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and many other potentially serious conditions, all of which should be assessed quickly to determine if treatment is necessary.  

However, even if you don’t have any of the early signs of glaucoma or symptoms of an eye condition, it’s still wise to see your eye health provider regularly. For most adults, an annual appointment is enough to monitor for vision changes and signs of eye health issues, though some may require more frequent visits if certain risks factors are present or they have an eye condition that requires ongoing treatment and tracking.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have early signs of glaucoma or haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

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Glaucoma Treatment and Management

During January, we recognize Glaucoma Awareness month by taking a close look at the eye condition. While we addressed what the condition is in our Understanding Glaucoma article and outlined the various kinds in our piece about the Types of Glaucoma, we wanted to ensure that patients had more information.  

If you’re wondering what treatment and management options are available for glaucoma, here’s what you need to know.  

Glaucoma Treatment and Management  

Glaucoma has the ability to cause permanent vision loss, including blindness. Fortunately, several treatment options are available that can reduce fluid levels and the pressure created by the condition.  

Getting the right kind of treatment quickly prevents additional vision loss. The fluid and pressure reductions help preserve the optic nerve, making further damage less likely. As a result, your current visual capabilities may remain intact, or the rate of impairment might be significantly reduced, depending on the severity and nature of your condition.  

Usually, different management approaches work best in certain situations. Here is a look at standard glaucoma treatment options.  

Prescription Eye Drops  

Certain prescription eye drops can reduce the pressure in your eye by decreasing the amount of fluid present. Since vision loss relating to glaucoma is caused by rising fluid-related pressure, it’s a practical option for certain patients.  

One of the benefits of this glaucoma management strategy is that it’s non-invasive. However, you might need to use the eye drops every day for the rest of your life to ensure the fluid and pressure levels stay in the acceptable range.  

Laser Treatment  

If eye drops aren’t sufficient for addressing the pressure increases created by the condition, laser treatment is an option for glaucoma patients. It’s more invasive than drops but not as invasive as glaucoma surgery.   

The laser treatment allows fluid to drain from the eye more efficiently, reducing the pressure faster than can be achieved with eye drops. At times, laser treatment alone is enough for treating glaucoma for up to five years, though some patients may need to continue using eye drops during that period. The treatment may also be repeatable, giving you a way to extend the effectiveness of this management strategy, though that isn’t always the case.  

Surgery  

Another option for treatment is glaucoma surgery. This option is more invasive than the alternatives, but it also provides results more quickly, reducing eye pressure far faster than either of the options above.  

There are several techniques your eye care provider may consider if glaucoma surgery is deemed the best option. If you need this type of treatment, your eye doctor will discuss the reasoning behind the method they select, ensuring you’re fully aware of why they consider it the best choice.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have signs or symptoms of glaucoma, want to explore a different glaucoma treatment or management strategy, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Early Glaucoma Detection

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition where fluid builds up in the eye, causing damage to the optic nerve. If not treated promptly, glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss, if not total blindness. That’s why early detection is crucial.  

By learning about the symptoms of glaucoma, you can take action quickly, reducing the odds of permanent vision loss. Here’s a look at common signs of glaucoma, as well as when to see your eye care provider.  

The Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma  

Like many eye conditions, there are several symptoms that could indicate glaucoma. Here is an overview of the primary symptoms people experience.  

Halos  

Seeing halos around light sources could indicate glaucoma, as well as other eye conditions like cataracts. Additionally, they can be side effects from surgery, injury, or symptoms of several different eye diseases.  

With glaucoma, the halos occur due to fluid buildup in the eye. As the fluid increases, it distorts incoming light, creating the bright circles known as halos.  

Vision Loss  

Vision loss in one eye or the development of a blind spot in your visual field could be a symptom of glaucoma. Even if the vision changes are small, the situation is urgent. Glaucoma’s impact on the optic nerve is gradual. By getting it checked quickly, you reduce the odds of permanent or increasingly severe vision loss.  

Cloudiness  

A cloudy-looking eye is another symptom of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition characterized by fluid buildup in the eye. When fluid increases, the pressure in the eye rises. Once the pressure reaches a certain point, fluid can get pushed into the cornea, giving it a noticeably cloudy appearance.  

Light Sensitivity  

Since glaucoma can increase pressure in the eye, it can cause light sensitivity. As a result, sensitivity to light can be an early sign of glaucoma, potentially occurring before other vision changes or outward symptoms, like cloudiness.  

Eye Pain  

Sudden and severe eye pain is always worrisome. Not only can it be a symptom of acute glaucoma, but it may also be a sign of other eye conditions, many of which are serious.  

When You Should See Your Eye Care Provider  

Ideally, you should see your eye care provider annually as part of your standard healthcare routine. Often, your eye doctor can detect glaucoma during an exam far before outward symptoms develop, allowing them to intervene quickly and save your vision.  

However, if you experience any of the symptoms above or other kinds of vision changes or eye-related concerns, schedule an appointment with your eye care provider immediately. Vision changes, unexplained pain, and other symptoms can be indicative of numerous conditions, some of which are serious and require immediate care. By acting fast and scheduling an appointment, you’re doing your part to care for your eye health.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma or other eye-related concerns, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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What Are the Types of Glaucoma?

a close up of a female having her eyes examined

January is Glaucoma Awareness month, a time of year where we take a close look at the condition and focus on sharing information to help patients maintain their eye health. While we covered the basics in a recent article – Understanding Glaucoma – we wanted to seize this opportunity to take a deeper dive into the topic.  

Glaucoma is often thought of as a single eye condition. However, there is more than one type of glaucoma, each with its own unique characteristics.  

If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, it’s wise to explore more about your specific variant. That way, you won’t just know more about how the condition is impacting your eye health, but also how the treatment options and outcomes can differ.  

Here’s a look at each of the types of glaucoma, including their characteristics, treatment options, and more.  

Open-Angle Glaucoma  

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition. With open-angle glaucoma, the angle between the cornea and the iris is wide and open, essentially the way it is meant to be. Issues arise when the drainage canals become blocked, preventing proper fluid flow and leading to fluid accumulation.  

As the fluid builds up, the pressure increases. That pressure ultimately causes damage to the optic nerve, disrupting vision signals between the eye and the brain.  

Many people with open-angle glaucoma are initially unaware they have the condition. The fluid buildup usually happens slowly over time and doesn’t typically result in physical discomfort. Typically, people with open-angle glaucoma only become aware once they begin experiencing vision loss unless it is caught earlier during a standard eye exam.  

Open-angle glaucoma can lead to significant vision loss, up to blindness. With proper treatment, damage can be mitigated or slowed, potentially preserving your vision. However, there is no cure for any form of glaucoma, including open-angle.  

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma  

Angle-closure glaucoma is also the result of fluid buildup. However, fluid flow is disrupted due to the narrowing of the entrance points of the drainage canals. At times, those openings are simply too small to allow for proper fluid flow. However, they can also be shut entirely, either by design or due to clogging.  

With angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms typically appear quickly. Along with vision loss, eye pain, headaches, and nausea commonly occur. There may also be eye redness as well as a halo effect around lights.   

Angle-closure glaucoma causes vision loss and may lead to blindness. It is also considered a medical emergency. As with open-angle glaucoma, there isn’t a cure. Though, with quick treatment, it’s possible to reduce the harmful effects of the condition.  

Normal-Tension Glaucoma  

With normal-tension glaucoma, pressure isn’t the issue, though optic nerve damage still occurs, resulting in vision changes or loss. In some cases, trauma may be to blame. In others, it could be heightened optic nerve sensitivity, blood flow issues, or circulation impairments.  

Normal-tension glaucoma, like the other versions, also can’t be cured. However, it can be managed, especially if caught early.  

At ECVA, our staff works tirelessly to care for the eye health of our patients. If you haven’t had your eyes checked recently or are experiencing symptoms of glaucoma, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

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Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can rob a person of their sight. It is the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, and about 3 million Americans suffer from it.  

While African Americans are most at risk of developing glaucoma, with about six percent having it by age 69, anyone could have it. The occurrence rate increases dramatically with age, ultimately impacting every demographic.  

If you would like to learn more about glaucoma, here’s what you need to know.  

What Is Glaucoma?  

There are several kinds of glaucoma. The most common version is open-angle glaucoma, where fluid doesn’t pass properly through various portions of the eye. This leads to a pressure increase, which, over time, damages the optic nerve.  

With open-angle glaucoma, the process can be slow, but there are no early warning signs. About 50 percent of those with the condition don’t realize they have it until they begin to lose their vision. However, it is possible to catch it early with regular screenings and proper eye care.  

With closed-angle glaucoma, the situation develops more quickly. The iris shifts, blocking the drain angle and leading to rapid fluid buildup. Vision gets blurry suddenly, and severe eye pain, headaches, nausea, and vomiting can all occur. Additionally, halos or rainbow-colored rings may be visible around light sources.  

Closed-angle glaucoma requires immediate treatment. Otherwise, blindness can occur quickly.  

What Are Risk Factors for Glaucoma?  

Generally, those with the highest risk of developing glaucoma are African Americans over 40 years of age, anyone who is over 60 years of age, anyone with a family history of glaucoma, and individuals with diabetes. Overall, African Americans are up to eight times more likely to develop glaucoma, while people with diabetes are twice as likely as those without diabetes.  

Anyone suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure may also be at increased risk. Similarly, certain eye conditions, like retinal detachments or tumors, may lead to glaucoma. Severe trauma can cause alter eye structures, potentially causing glaucoma to develop, as well.  

Certain medications may also increase the chance of getting glaucoma. For example, prolonged corticosteroid use can cause someone to get secondary glaucoma as a side effect.  

Getting Screened for Glaucoma  

Open-angle glaucoma is a progressive condition. By getting your eyes checked regularly by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, they can look for signs of the disease before significant damage occurs.  

Along with gathering a patient history, they can perform visual acuity tests, use tonometry and pachymetry to measure eye pressure and corneal thickness, respectively, and conduct scans or the optic nerve to look for damage. If they determine you have glaucoma, they can take action to preserve your vision, including prescribing medications or performing surgery, depending on how your condition presents.  

While there is no cure for glaucoma, it can be managed. By catching it early, your chances of retaining your visual acuity go up dramatically. If you haven’t been screened for glaucoma recently or are experiencing any changes in visual acuity, it’s best to see your eye doctor as soon as possible.  

We’re Helping You See More Clearly 

Our team works diligently to care for our patients’ eyes, including screening for and treating glaucoma. If you want to ensure your eyes are as healthy as possible, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic.