Glaucoma is actually a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness. It’s often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma tends to be inherited and may not show up until later in life.
The increased pressure, called intraocular pressure, can damage the optic nerve, which transmits images to the brain. If damage to the optic nerve from high eye pressure continues, glaucoma will cause permanent loss of vision. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years. However, with early detection and treatment, you can often protect your eyes against serious vision loss.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma develops slowly over time and there is no pain involved. Side vision may begin to decrease followed by central vision resulting in blindness if not treated.
Closed-angle glaucoma is a less common form. Closed-angle glaucoma can show up gradually or suddenly. The sudden presentation of this disease may involve severe eye pain, blurred vision, mid-dilated pupil, redness of the eye and nausea. Vision loss from either type of glaucoma, once it has occurred, is permanent.
Glaucoma Diagnosis
To diagnose glaucoma in Minneapolis, Dr. Hennen will test your vision and examine your eyes through dilated pupils. The eye exam typically focuses on the optic nerve, which has a particular appearance when effected by glaucoma. The doctor will also perform a procedure called tonometry to check for eye pressure and a visual field test, if necessary, to determine if there is loss of side vision. Glaucoma tests are painless and take very little time.
Because most people with glaucoma have no early symptoms or pain from this increased pressure, it is important to see your eye doctor regularly so that glaucoma can be diagnosed and treated before long-term vision loss occurs. To schedule an eye exam in Minneapolis, contact Eyecare MPLS at 612-470-9871 or eyecarempls.com today.