As the second leading cause of blindness in the world, glaucoma is an eye condition that we take seriously at West Virginia Eye Consultants. Our expert eye doctors are here to help you catch signs of glaucoma early on and provide effective, comprehensive treatment to patients diagnosed with the condition.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the front of your eye. This increases pressure on your eye and damages the optic nerve, which can affect your ability to see.
The eye is always producing a fluid called aqueous humor. It usually flows in and drains out through the drainage angle. This consistent flow regulates intraocular (eye) pressure.
If drainage does not occur properly, the fluid builds up, causing an increase in intraocular pressure. This pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.
You may also develop glaucoma even if you do not have high intraocular pressure, so getting regular eye exams is essential to screen for any other signs of the eye condition.
Symptoms of glaucoma are often not noticeable until the condition has already done considerable damage to the optic nerve, which is irreversible in most cases. Most patients with glaucoma don’t even realize they have it until it has already caused permanent vision loss.
It is crucial to have routine eye exams to detect any signs of glaucoma early before they can damage the optic nerve, especially if you are in one of these higher-risk groups of people:
If you fall under any of these categories, stay up-to-date on your eye exams to lower the risk of vision loss from glaucoma, as early detection is vital.
There are many different types of glaucoma. However, these are the two most common that patients may develop:
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of the condition. It is caused by resistance buildup at the trabecular meshwork of your eye.
Pressure then gradually builds in the eye and presses on the optic nerve.
Most people don’t even realize they have open-angle glaucoma because the symptoms often do not present until the later stages of the condition.
As the condition progresses, some people may notice blind spots in their peripheral vision.
Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the angle between your iris and your cornea is too narrow, preventing proper fluid drainage. This type of glaucoma carries the risk of acute attacks, where the drainage angle becomes completely blocked, and eye pressure rises suddenly.
Symptoms of an angle-closure glaucoma attack include:
If you think you may be experiencing an angle-closure glaucoma attack, it is essential to seek medical help right away, as it can cause rapid vision loss that may be irreversible.
There are several treatment options for glaucoma, depending on the condition’s progression. Some of the treatment options available at West Virginia Eye Consultants include:
If you belong to a group at higher risk for glaucoma, or you think you may be experiencing symptoms, you should schedule an eye exam with your doctor at West Virginia Eye Consultants in Charleston, WV, today for the best chance of detecting glaucoma early and preserving your vision.
With 6 convenient locations across West Virginia and surrounding areas, exceptional vision care is never far away.
501 Summers Street
Charleston, WV 25301
43 Eagles Road
Beckley, WV 25801
2414 Jefferson Avenue
Point Pleasant, WV 25550
522 MacCorkle Avenue SE
Charleston, WV, 25304
134 Pinnell Street
Ripley, WV 25271
215 5th Avenue
St. Albans, WV 25177
