Glaucoma Treatment From SoCal Optometry
Most people have heard of glaucoma, but few know much about it or understand how it can affect their vision. Everyone should try to learn what they can about it to lower their likelihood of ever developing it. As is the case with any existing or potential condition that could affect your eyesight, prevention is key. If you are in Riverside, CA and currently searching for an experienced eye doctor, SoCal Optometry can help you keep your eyes healthy.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a condition that results when pressure builds up inside the structure of your eye. Such intraocular pressure damages your optic nerve over time and can affect its ability to function properly. If allowed to progress unchecked, it can eventually lead to vision loss or even blindness.
Glaucoma occurs when your eyes’ natural fluid flow system becomes blocked or compromised for any reason. Often this occurs spontaneously, but it can also be the result of an injury or accident. Severe eye infections and inflammatory conditions can also lead to glaucoma under the right circumstances.
What Are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
Genetics can play a part in how likely you are to eventually develop glaucoma, so preventative care and treatment are important if it runs in your family. You are also more likely to have glaucoma later in life, but it is not unheard of in younger people, so it’s something people of all ages should take seriously. Other risk factors include:
- Having high blood pressure, heart disease, sickle cell anemia, or diabetes.
- Already having poor or compromised vision.
- Having high eye pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
The great majority of people with glaucoma do not experience symptoms until it’s become very serious, so don’t wait for your vision to change to take action. However, you should be aware of the following symptoms and see your optometrist right away if you experience them.
- Loss of peripheral vision or any other form of vision loss.
- Halos around lights.
- Pain in the eyes or a feeling of pressure.
- Red eyes or eyes that appear hazy (especially in infants or young children).
- Nausea or vomiting.
Call SoCal Optometry Today!
Routine glaucoma tests are fast, simple, and painless. Most importantly of all, they can help detect glaucoma early before it has a chance to rob you of your eyesight. If you are in Riverside, CA, or anywhere nearby, come see us at SoCal Optometry! We will help you keep your vision safe, healthy, and efficient -- now and for the rest of your life.