Glaucoma refers to several similar conditions that impact the optic nerve, which is the part of the eye that transmits visual signals and data to the brain for interpretation. If glaucoma is left untreated, vision loss caused by damage to the optic nerve progresses, eventually leading to blindness. If you live in the greater Plainfield, IL, area, Dr. Mark Burke, our optometrist near you at 4Sight iCare, can help manage glaucoma treatment moving forward.
Early detection is vital when it comes to eye conditions like glaucoma. Scheduling regular eye exams with an eye doctor can help preserve your current vision by managing glaucoma progression and detecting issues before they become problematic.
How does Glaucoma damage eyesight?
Glaucoma often involves fluid build-up or collection inside the eye that causes an increase in Intra-Ocular Pressure (IOP). While the actual mechanisms influence the development of glaucoma are not fully understood, what is known is that this increased IOP has a negative impact on how the optic nerve functions. If left untreated, glaucoma leads to blindness.
Glaucoma is usually present in both of a person’s eyes. However, in a rare occurrence, the condition may impact only one eye.
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is categorized as follows:
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Primary Open Angle, which is associated with 90% of the cases diagnosed in the United States, is a condition in which the eye’s drainage channels fail to properly drain and cause fluid to build up in the eye. The symptoms of this form of glaucoma can be subtle. A comprehensive exam conducted by an eye doctor is required for an accurate diagnosis.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma typically manifests with a rapid onset of symptoms and is considered a medical emergency. Angle-closure glaucoma happens when the drainage of the fluid inside the front of the eye is blocked completely. This causes fluid to quickly accumulate within the eye and a steep increase in pressure within the eye.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)
The exact cause of NTG is not completely understood, although there are common factors that likely contribute to its development.
Additionally, glaucoma can be categorized as secondary, congenital, and pigmentary glaucoma.
Contact Our Leading Plainfield, IL, Optometry Center for Glaucoma Help
If you live in or around the Plainfield area and need help diagnosing or managing glaucoma or some other eye condition, contact our optometrist near you at 4Sight iCare by phone or text at (815) 676-4474 . While there is no cure for glaucoma, there are treatment options, therapies, and medications for glaucoma available to help extend and protect your vision.
