Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. Unfortunately, it often develops with no warning signs at all. Most people don’t even realize they have glaucoma until their vision is already affected.
Clayton Stevens, MD, at Stevens Eye Care in Biloxi, Mississippi, understands how glaucoma can quietly sneak up on you, robbing you of your sight without any noticeable symptoms until it’s too late.
Here, he shares information about how glaucoma can develop silently and the steps you can take to prevent it.
Glaucoma is a term for a group of eye diseases that damage your optic nerve. It’s often caused by high pressure inside your eye, but the increase in pressure doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms.
In fact, the pressure can build up so gradually that you could have glaucoma for years before being diagnosed with it because:
The problem with detecting glaucoma is that it progresses so slowly you don’t notice it.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain factors increase your risk. Understanding these can help you stay proactive about your eye health.
Glaucoma can develop at any age, but it’s more common in people over 60.
Certain ethnicities, including Asians, African Americans, and Hispanics, are at higher risk for developing glaucoma.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or previous eye injuries, you’re at greater risk.
Even if you don’t fall into the high-risk categories, Dr. Stevens recommends regular eye exams, especially because many people who develop glaucoma have no risk factors at all.
Because glaucoma doesn’t show symptoms in its early stages, the best way to catch it is through regular eye exams. During a comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Stevens measures your intraocular pressure, checks your optic nerve health, and tests your peripheral vision.
The sooner we detect glaucoma and treat it, the better the outcome. You can manage glaucoma and prevent further damage, if caught early.
If you’re diagnosed with glaucoma, you have options, and the earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome. Here are some of the treatments we offer here at Stevens Eye Care:
Eye drops and oral medications are often the first line of defense and work by reducing eye pressure and slowing nerve damage.
If medications don’t work, Dr. Stevens may recommend:
Recovery is faster with MIGS because it’s less invasive than iStent and Xen Gel Stent. Dr. Stevens assesses your specific needs to help determine which procedure is right for you.
Glaucoma can develop silently, so prioritize regular eye exams, even if you feel fine. Early intervention is the best defense.
To preserve your eyesight for decades to come, contact Stevens Eye Care to schedule an appointment. You can also book online at your convenience.
