Glaucoma is a condition or group of conditions that can damage the eye's optic nerve (the bundle of nerve fibers that connects the retina to the brain) and result in loss of vision and blindness. Individuals that are over age 60 and people with a family history of glaucoma are at risk for this disease.

Symptoms of glaucoma include decreased vision out of the corner of the eye (peripheral vision). Many liken this symptom to looking through a tunnel. Over time, straight-ahead vision may decrease until no vision remains.

Glaucoma is detected during a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test (measures how well you see at various distances), a dilated eye exam (widening the pupil in order to examine the retina), a tonometry test (measures the pressure inside the eye), and a pachymetry test (measures the thickness of the cornea).

Early diagnosis is essential to delay the progression of glaucoma. Early treatments include medicinal eye drops, laser trabeculopasty (draining fluid from the eye), or conventional surgery (creates new opening for fluid to leave the eye).

If you are 60 years or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. Early treatment for many eye diseases may protect your vision. To ask questions or to schedule an exam, please call our office at 218-759-1290 or 1-800-745-1291.

For more information on this and other diseases, please visit The National Eye Institute.

Source: The National Eye Institute.

If you detect any changes in your vision, please call Womack Eye Associates to schedule an eye exam immediately.